Principles of Illumination

Illumination- is the intensity of light per unit area.the luminous flux per unit area on an intercepting
surface at any given point.
Luminous flux- is the quantity of the energy of the light emitted per second in all directions.
Lumens(denoted by lm)- are a measure of the total amount of visible light (to the human eye) from a
lamp or light source.
Electric Illumination- production of light by means of electricity and its applications to provide
efficient, comfortable, and safe vision. In lighting design, it onlyn refers to only two things:
1. The quantity of light
2. The quality of light
Quantity of Light- refers to the amount of illumination or luminous flux per unit area. It is measured
with the numbers of lighting fixtures required for a cetain area.
Quality of Light- refers to the distribution of brightness in the lighting installation.It is the mixture of
all the items of illumination. The brightness,glare,color,psychological reactions to color and
fixtures,brightness ratio or contrast,diffusemess,aesthetics,and economics.
Four Factors affecting Illumination:
1.Brightness- light that seems to radiate from an object being viewed. It is the light transmitted or
reflected from a surface.
2.Contrast- the difference in brightness or brightness ratio between an object and its background.
3.Glare- is a strong, steady, dazzling light or reflection.
Two types of glare:
a.Direct Glare-annoying brightness of light in a persons normal field vision.
b.Indirect or Reflected Glare- more serious and difficult to control.
4.Diffuseness- refers to the control of shadows cast by light.

Classification of Lighting System

1. Direct Lighting- light on an illuminated area is focused downward coming directly from the lighting
fixture.

2.Semi-Direct Lighting light on an illuminated area majority focused downward and have partial light
focused upward.

3.SemiIndirect
Lighting
light on an
illuminated
area
majority
focused
upward
and have partial ligh focused downward.

4.Indirect Lighting light on an illuminated area is focused upward and the light is reflected through
and spread.

Lighting Control
- includes all techniques necessary for the operation of lighting system covering both manual and
automatic control. The control plan must be incorporated with the lighting design, because the control
scheme should appropriate to the lighting source. As a result, the system accessories and arrangement
depends on the contol scheme.
The main objectives of lighting control are:
1. Flexibility- provide the modifications of brightness and pattern as viewed by the designer.
2. Economy- economical for both energy and sources and cost considerations.