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CHAPTER 17
LIGHTING DESIGN
OVERVIEW
This chapter addresses the lighting design process for creating successful visual
environments, building on the fundamentals of light and lighting that are explored in
Chapters 14, 15, and 16. Understanding the lighting design process should be emphasized
early in this chapter. Lighting design as a professional discipline is often relegated to a
minor role within the context of the project’s overall electrical design. This is short
sighted and can lead to missed opportunities or even unsuccessful visual environments.
Lighting design must be considered as an integral element in the overall design process.
The Lighting Design Flow Diagram found in Chapter 17 clearly outlines this process and
should serve as a roadmap for the rest of the chapter.
Providing the appropriate quantities of light to perform visual tasks is only one of
the many considerations in a project’s lighting design development. The wide-ranging
mix of design influences and considerations are defined in the chapter with their
relevance to the selection and application of a lighting system described. All phases in the
evolution of a complete lighting design are explored in Chapter 17. From the initial data
gathering and programming through final implementation and realization, lighting design
is discussed at a level understandable to those seeking to build a basic understanding of
the discipline. The instructor is encouraged to present each step in the design process as a
focused area of study, yet relating the work back to the overall Flow Diagram provided
CHAPTER 17
LIGHTING DESIGN
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
17.1 A lighting system is an integral part of the architectural expression of the
space may be described as (Neutral), (Expressive), (Dominant), and (Disorganized).
There are many ways one can describe a lighting layout in terms of its expression in
17.2 Illumination must be designed for uniformity on a horizontal plane. (True)
(False)
Of course not. Non-uniformity may create visual interest. Many tasks are on a vertical
17.3 For uniformity in horizontal illuminance, lighting fixtures must be mounted
so as not to exceed the recommended space-to-mounting height ratio. (True) (False)
17.4 An ideal lighting system is a totally luminous ceiling? (True) (False)
17.5 To obtain the best visual modeling of a 3-dimensional object, light flux
should originate from one direction. (True) (False)
17.6 Lay out on a reflected ceiling plan for uniform lighting, six round lighting
fixtures with general diffuse distribution in the 15′ × 45′ rectangular space shown
below.
17.7 If the ceiling height is 10 feet and the work plane is 3 feet above the floor, do
you think the preceding layout would provide uniform lighting? If not, what would
you suggest? Show your design in the space below.
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Alternative layouts of the space in problem 17.8 with comments below:
Neutral-Expressive (first choice)
Neutral-Expressive
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17.8 To layout (5) 4 ft square fixtures on a 2 k square-ceiling grid in a 20 k round room
17.9 Daylight is effective up to a depth about _____ times the window height.
Daylight is effective up to a depth 2.5 times the window height. For example: If the
17.10. North glazing will provide the most consistent daylight. (True) (False)
17.11 West glazing will have the most beneficial effect on a building’s cooling load
in the northern hemisphere. (True) (False)
17.12 South glazing may create overheating in spaces with southern south
exposure, even in wintertime. (True) (False)
17.13 Glazing should be extended to the floor level to gain the most benefits from
lighting on the horizontal-working plane. (True) (False)
17.14 The glazed area need not be greater than (25) percent of the floor area for
maximum daylight.
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17.15 Based on the calculated number of fixtures, make a lighting layout in these
rooms.
Keep in mind that:
1. Since the type B chalkboard fixtures (6 × 4-A = 24 A) must be installed in
front of the chalkboard, this dictates the layout of type A fixtures. The ten
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17.16 What characteristics of light distribution intensity within a space will
enhance an occupant’s impression of relaxation?
17.17 Illuminating the walls of a small room with bright, uniform light intensity
will help in making the room appear more spacious. (True) (False)
17.18 Who should typically be involved in the selection process for a project’s
decorative luminaires?
17.19 A relatively symmetrical arrangement of ceiling recessed lighting equipment
that results in visible “dark-spots” on the task surface between luminaires likely
means that the selected luminaire’s _____ has been exceeded.
17.20 Key dimensions for locating luminaires accurately during installation are
normally shown on the (electrical lighting plan) (architectural reflected ceiling plan)
(circuiting and control plan).
17.21 Which of the following are not normally shown in a luminaire or lighting
fixture schedule? (lamp code) (manufacturer and catalog number) (equipment cost)
(voltage).
17.22 Lighting fixture shop drawing review is an important part of the project’s
early design development. ( True ) ( False)
17.23 What are the principal considerations in developing an exterior lighting
design strategy?
17.24 What is “sky glow” and when does it concern a lighting designer?