Principles of Illumination

Electric Illumination – the intensity of light per unit area. The production
of light by means of electricity and its application to provide for
efficient, comfortable and safe vision.
Factors involved in the application of light to provide efficient and
comfortable vision: These are the quantity of light and the quality of
light
QUANTITY OF LIGHT – it is needed for any visual object is
based on the size of the object details, the contrast between the details
and their background, and the time allowed for viewing the objects.
While these factors remain constant, visual performance improve as the
quantity or level of illumination.
QUALITY OF LIGHT- this pertains to the distribution of brightness in the
lighting installation. The main factor considered in the producing light of
high quality is to keep brightness ratio low.
 The quality of light is defined by the size of the light source relative to
the subject.
Quantity is how much or how many, and quality is how good it is.
Elements of quality of light
1. color, 2. Psychological effect 3, aesthetics 4, economics 5. Diffusion
of light and elimination of direct and reflected glare
2. psychological effects that can impact the health and wellbeing
of humans
3. Aesthetic -Aesthetic colors are artistic, visually appealing colors
that bring beauty to a room. or imaginative playroom, aesthetic
colors will stimulate creativity in any living space.
 Factors that affect illumination
1. Brightness 2. contrast 3. glare 4. diffuseness
BRIGHTNESS and BRIGHTNESS RATIO –if the object is placed on a dark
background, the light object reflects more light and look brighter than
the dark base, although both have equal illumination.
The recommended brightness ratio between the object being viewed
and the background is 3 to 1.
CONTRAST – the difference in brightness between an object and its
background . If a black print on a white paper can be seen clearly on a
light background, this is due to the effect called contrast.
GLARE is a strong steady dazzling light or reflection. Two types of glare,
direct and indirect glare
 1. Direct Glare – is the annoying brightness of light sources in a
person’s normal field of vision.
2. Indirect glare or reflected glare – is more serious and difficult to
control. Reflected glare I called veiling reflected which is caused by a
light reflected in a glossy object.
DIFFUSENESS – the quality of light is controlled by its directivity. A single
lamp cast sharp deep shadows and little diffusion. A luminous ceiling
provides a satisfactory diffuse illumination and avoid shadows