"A New Way to Think About Light"
5 Part Integrative Lighting Approach:
Most the time if you walk into a space you see what is considered a "grid placement" or the typical "4 cans and a fan" layout in bedrooms (that is if they thought about the lighting at all). But the problem with that is centrally placed, fixed lighting which creates flooding, glare, discomfort, poor functional light to the task area or detail. Great lighting should be Adjustable, with optics that are focused and can be aimed to a specific area. Also, they should be Adjustable in their ability to change. Does the sun stay in the same spot? Or the same color temperature? No, it Adjusts throughout the day. It changes position, it changes color, it changes in intensity. Although we can not make the lights move physically (some can. However, that is intended for theater lighting), we can create depth, contrast and change through a technique called Layering. Also, thanks for new technology LED and partnering with Custom Integrators, we can adjust the color temperature and intensity throughout the day automatically. Using light as a Tool to leverage for function, productivity, feeling, and biology - to improve our Health & Wellness. By lighting that is intentionally Designed space by space, we can Layer in lighting based on different tasks within the space.
So even if you do or don not want the ability to change the color temperature, or maybe all the layers the space could have, you can create a space that is inviting, comforting, and Health & Wellness focused just by using 2-3 Layers per space. Adjustable lighting that can be aimed to the vertical surfaces, eliminating glare and lighting the space with indirect "bounce" light. You also can have lighting that Adjusts automatically or based on desired purpose in the space, through the use of lighting controls and Custom Integrators. Lighting Designed to highlight your art, increase focus at a work bench or the kitchen, help guide the way and not interrupt your sleep. Light is a Tool when used and Designed correctly, can create the best experience within a space.
5 Things Lighting Should Be:
- Adjustable
- Health & Wellness Driven
- Layered
- Designed
- A Tool
Lighting in layers
Optimize the look and feel of your space
Using a technique of layering light, you can call attention to details, highlight accents, focus easier, feel better, sleep more, be alert and productive during the day. Enhancing the look and feel of your space beyond aesthetics.
Task/Accent Light
Using light with controlled optics you can, accenting a focal point in the room and doubling as a task layer for reading
Accent/Wayfinding
Using guide/step lights mounted 4' or lower and on a control system it can turn on at lower light levels at night helping you find your way without waking your body up at night (overhead light crushes your body's melatonin production levels)
Accent/Ambient
Building a cove to conceal light hides the glare from a light source, bringing in vertical accent light to a space, and grazing a textured wall to create a mixture of shadow and light. The light that bounces off the wall and the bounce light adds to the ambient light within a space
Layering Additional Accent/Ambient
On the opposite side off the wall you can bring in vertical light to highlight the wall, additionally adding up-light to eliminate the "cave effect" and
Accent
Using recessed adjustable cans or linear wall wash with optics you can call attention to art work, architectural, or interior design interests in residential spaces. Similarly, you can use this technique for branding, signage, sales product in commercial spaces.
Typical Lighting "Layout"
Most spaces are not layered, and only have lighting that floods the space, or no light at all.