24 Inches wide
24 Inches wide
24 Inches wide
Recessed direct lighting luminaires must be coordinated with other services in the ceiling.
In contrast, ceiling-mounted or suspended luminaires liberate the floor from the burden of additional power supply distribution and the physical space occupied by indirect lighting. However, a notable drawback is the fixed nature of the lighting array, limiting adaptability in spaces requiring full-height partitioning unless individual luminaire regulation is employed. Recessed direct lighting luminaires must be coordinated with other services in the ceiling. Surface-mounted luminaires may be deemed unsightly in certain spaces and can interfere with air distribution in mechanically ventilated buildings.
While indirect and direct luminaires, when not track-mounted, are relatively fixed like pure direct lights, they offer the flexibility of exchanging luminaires or adjusting the number of lamps to introduce visual variety across large spaces. On the other hand, freestanding indirect lights emerge as a flexible lighting source, capable of being repositioned to accommodate new office layouts or adjusted to achieve varying levels of illumination. Careful consideration of these factors is crucial for achieving a harmonious balance between aesthetics, functionality, and adaptability in lighting design.
In the realm of interior design, various elements of electrical services, including switching mechanisms and other services, play a pivotal role in determining the lighting options chosen. The selection of a lighting method also has ramifications for the flexibility of future changes to the lighting layout, particularly when adapting work-space layouts. In the case of freestanding indirect lights, the electrical supply originates from floor level, necessitating careful consideration of several aspects within the electrical system.
Due to the relatively high power load, especially during the startup of discharge lamps, it is advisable to check the recommended number of indirect lights that can be connected to a single circuit. When the same circuit is shared with personal computers, the initiation of indirect lighting may cause data errors due to voltage spikes. To address this issue, a separate floor power system may be preferred for supplying floor-mounted indirect lights.
Using non-standard plugs and sockets on these circuits prevents other equipment from being connected, allowing for centralized control and switching of the indirect lights. However, this introduces an additional set of floor services alongside the usual power, data, and telecom services. In environments with false floors, this may not pose a problem, but it could lead to challenges in spaces utilizing floor trunking, leading to overcrowding.
Localized lights incorporated within or affixed to the ceiling are typically part of a relocatable ceiling-tile system, where the luminaire-equipped tile can be interchanged with an adjacent blank tile. This system relies on having sparse mechanical services above the ceiling and a flexible wiring system, allowing for some versatility in luminaire placement.
Suspended local luminaires can also hang from a track system, which may be a powered track used for spotlighting or a predominantly mechanical track with curly leads connecting to fixed electrical points or sections of powered track. The extent of the track system directly influences the flexibility of the lighting layout, with a more comprehensive system offering greater adaptability albeit at a higher capital cost.
Freestanding localized lights with a direct component are best positioned to cast light from the side of the task area. Ideally, the lighting should be adjustable to come from either the left- or right-hand side of the desk, catering to user preferences. The spread of light should be uniform, covering the desk area used for reading written text as evenly as possible, with a recommended uniformity over the task area of 0.8 or better.
In the case of certain types of freestanding indirect luminaires, the base or central column can serve as a location for power and data sockets, facilitating efficient cable management and offering flexibility for various desk-system arrangements. Indirect luminaires can function as localized lighting by strategically placing them within a cluster of desks, ensuring that the highest light levels are concentrated over the desks, with light diminishing between the clusters.
This approach requires seamless integration with furniture plans and the operational practices of the office. Additionally, neighboring uplights can contribute to enhancing light levels beyond what is initially shown.
Supplementary task lighting serves to augment the ambient lighting from a lower level to the desired task illuminance, allowing for a cost-effective illumination of a large space.
This approach maintains a low general level of light across the area, with only the specific task areas being illuminated to a higher intensity.
A typical 2:1 ratio of task-lighting level to general-lighting level strikes a good balance between energy efficiency and visual comfort. For instance, combining 300 lux of general lighting with 200 lux of task lighting achieves a total of 500 lux on the task, offering an effective compromise.
Optimal positioning of task lights is crucial, with the lights designed to cast illumination from the side of the task area. Ideally, the light source should be adjustable to come from either the left or right side of the desk, providing flexibility for the user. The spread of light should be even across the desk area used for reading written text, achieving a uniformity over the task area of 0.8.
Task lights should feature local switches or, ideally, dimmer controls to give users control over the lighting intensity. Placing local lights in front of the user may result in low contrast and potential glare, particularly with glossy papers. The luminaire should have a limited range of adjustment to allow the user some control over its position without becoming a source of glare for others in the office. The height of the luminaire should not be less than 0.5 times the width of the area being lit, ensuring that deep shadows are avoided.
It is essential that the light source in task lighting systems maintains good color quality and emits low heat. Suitable lamps for this purpose include linear fluorescent lamps or compact fluorescent lamps with high-frequency control gear. While very low-wattage discharge lamps may be considered in certain installations, challenges such as difficulty in dimming and slow re-striking after switching off can limit user control.
In situations where the task light is accessible to users, safety considerations are paramount. The task light should be mechanically and electrically safe, cool to the touch, and conducive for use in environments such as libraries where users may not be familiar with the lighting operation.
Art Deco Style 2024
