Topic 2.1: Natural and Artificial Lighting Sources

Light

smallest quantity of energy that can be transported

Natural lighting

It is a technique that efficiently brings natural light into your home using exterior glazing (windows, skylights, etc.), thereby reducing artificial lighting requirements and saving energy

Direct Sunlight

Incorporating external glazing’s into occupants’ stay.

Various examples include windows and skylights, which means placing a glass on a roof

External Reflection

Light reflecting off of ground surfaces, adjacent buildings, light shelves, and wide window sills

Internal Reflection

Light reflecting off of internal walls, ceiling, and the floor at home

Direct Sunlight

External Reflection

Internal Reflection

Sources of Natural Lighting

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps prevents bone loss, reduces heart diseases, weight gain and various cancers

Vitamin D

Mental Health

Better sleep

Benefits of Natural Lighting

Artificial Lighting

Can consist of a filament that uses electricity or halogen gas to glow, or an electronic device that emits light

Modern Life

Mental Health

Benefits of Artificial Lighting

Incandescent Bulb

The traditional bulb-type lamp with a glowing filament, once commonly used in residential applications

Incandescent Bulb

They are generally considered to be the least energy efficient choice of electric lamp but are inexpensive, turn on instantly and come in a range of sizes and shapes

Fluorescent Bulb

Available in various sizes and fittings and can be used in place of incandescent lamps without changing light fixtures

They are generally more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

Rapidly developing lighting technology and one of the most energy efficient lamps available

Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

They are generally highly regarded for their comparable or better-quality light output compared to other lighting types

Ambient Lighting

This is the general artificial lighting that provides overall illumination indoors for daily activities, and outdoors for safety and security

Task Lighting

This allows the completion of tasks such as reading, studying and way-finding. It is used where ambient light levels are insufficient for the task in hand

Accent Lighting

This type of lighting imparts drama and character and allows certain features regarded of interest to be highlighted

Ambient Lighting

Task Lighting

Accent Lighting

Types of Artificial Lighting (Types of Lighting Method)

Architectural Lighting

Intersection of art (architecture) and technology (lighting).

Illumination for building design and function

Aesthetic

Where designers and architects focus on the emotional impact the balance of lighting and architecture will have on occupants

Function

Areas should be illuminated so occupants feel safe when navigating a room or entire building. They should be able to see the floor and walls around them, which should create a feeling of reassurance.

Aesthetic

Function

Efficiency

Importance of Architectural Lighting

Incandescent Bulb

Fluorescent Bulb

Light-Emitting Diode (LED

Artificial Lighting Sources