MODULE 4: ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING

Light

Radiant energy that is capable of exciting the human retina and creating a visual sensation.

Radiant flux

The total power of electromagnetic radiation (measured in watts) emitted or received.

Luminous flux

The total amount of light emitted by a lamp in all directions, corresponding to those wavelengths detectable by the human eyes.

Lumen

The unit of luminous flux, representing the brightness of light. It is denoted by "lm".

Illuminance

The quantity of luminous flux falling on a unit area of a surface, measured in lux and denoted by "E".

Lux

A unit of illuminance, representing the number of lumens per square meter. It is used to determine the number of lights needed in a space.

Luminance

The luminous intensity emitted by a light source per unit area, measured in candela per square meter. It refers to the reflected light.

Reflection

The process by which a part of the light falling on a medium leaves that medium from the incident side.

Specular reflection

A type of reflection where parallel reflections are made.

Spread reflection

A type of reflection where parallel rays are spread into a cone of reflected rays.

Diffuse reflection

A type of reflection that occurs on rough surfaces, causing the reflection to be diffused.

Luminaire

Any lighting device that includes a lamp holder and the means of electrification and support for the device

Louvered luminaires

Designed for linear light sources; name is derived from the anti-dazzle attachments.

Indirect lighting system

Produces 90-100% light upward