Fundamentals

B U I L D I N G S E R V I C E S – 2
BY CHAITRA KB
MODULE 4
Illumination

8. Techniques, Principles and Applications: Lighting Methods - Ambient, Task & Accent lighting; Systems of
Luminaries - Up-Lighting, Down-Lighting, Spot Lighting etc.; Street Lighting, Façade Lighting, Landscape Lighting,
Architectural Typologies; Preparation of Lighting Layout.
3 Basic Types Of Lighting
One room can serve multiple purposes. It can be a place where you can relax, work on the computer, do arts and
crafts, cook, share a meal with friends, and much more… This is why lighting features need to correspond to the
setting or application of the room.

no matter what you do, or what you hope to accomplish, always install three types of lighting in a room,” says Patricia
Rizzo, of the Lighting Research Center . People often expect a single source of light to meet all their needs. Yet, each
of the three types of lighting has a particular function to fulfill specific needs, which are:
Ambient Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is usually installed in order to ensure visibility and increase security around a building. It is also
recommended to light up the exterior of the building, entrances and stairs to reduce and perhaps eliminate the risk of
injury that can occur when entering and leaving the building.
Task Lighting
Task lighting illuminates the tasks a person carries out in a given space such as reading, cooking, computer work. A brighter
light is required in a smaller focal point of the room for these sorts of tasks.

For a more pleasant illumination, it is often best to avoid harsh lights or lighting that casts troublesome shadows. It is also
practical to install a single switch for focal lighting, independent from the room’s overall lighting switch.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used mainly to focus on a specific point of interest or to achieve a desired effect. This type of lighting gives
the impression of a larger room. It is more frequently used to highlight an architectural feature, a plant (in outdoor layout),
a sculpture, or a collection of objects.

As a general rule, effective accent lighting requires the installation of three times more light on the focal point than ambient
lighting generally provides
ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING
VALANCE LIGHTING
A horizontal
fluorescent tube is
placed behind a
valance boards,
casting light upward
so that it reflects off
the ceiling and also
downwards to shine CORNICE LIGHTING
on the drapery, thus A cornice is
producing both direct installed under the
and indirect lighting. ceiling, with a
fixture hidden
beneath so as to
direct light
downwards only.
This can give a
dramatic effect on
drapery, pictures
and wall coverings
COVE LIGHTING
This consists of
placing continuous
series of fluorescent
tubes in a groove
along one or more TRACK LIGHTING
walls of a room, Track lighting consists of
about 12 inches from lamps fixed to the ceiling
the ceiling. The light or wall in an array to offer
reflects off the ceiling great variety. One strip
and bathes the room often holds spot light,
in indirect light. floodlights, and even
hanging fixtures that may
be turned around to follow
furniture placement. The
tracks can themselves be
movable as well, for still
more flexible
arrangements.
SOFFIT LIGHTING
This refers to
built in light
source under a
panel. It may be
fixed to a ceiling
or under a
cabinet. Soffit
lighting is often
used over a sink
or other work
areas.
NON- ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING
CEILING FIXTURE
These are recessed
into the ceiling or
set flush with it.
They may soften
light of diffuse.
Some may be in
form of soft
luminous panels
that illuminates
large areas evenly
WALL FIXTURE
These remain out
of the way and
free table and
desk surfaces for
other things. At
the same time,
they give direct
light where it is
needed.
PORTABLE LAMPS
Floor and table
lamps can be
moved when
and where
needed. They
also act as
decorative
accessories
Façade Lighting
The appearance of a facade alters during the course of
the day due to the changing direction of light and the
varying components of diffuse and direct light. Different
light distributions and the use of lighting control systems
give facades an appearance of their own at night.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting or garden lighting refers to the use of
outdoor illumination of private gardens and public
landscapes; for the enhancement and purposes of safety,
nighttime aesthetics, accessibility, security, recreation
and sports, and social and event uses.
Typologies; Preparation of
Lighting Layout.