Lighting plays an important part in how we experience our world. It impacts how we think, how we feel and how we occupy the spaces we live in. Along with time, it is commonly referred to as the 4th dimension of architecture.

Lighting techniques shape our moods and affect the ambience of a space. We can feel alert or calm depending on whether a cool or warm light is present. Similarly, we can add drama to a space through direct light or soften a space through indirect light. Employing accent lighting will emphasize the depth of a space and installing orientation lighting will encourage specific passages and influence the flow of movement through a space. More of these techniques are outlined below.

When it comes to choosing a light, knowing its CRI is one of the most crucial and valuable features to be aware of. A high CRI will ensure spaces and their occupants as well as furnishings appear vibrant and colourful, rather than dull and bland, evident with fluorescent light. LED lights often vary significantly with their CRI, so check the product information carefully.

Brightness however, is the most important aspect of lighting design. A bright light will set a positive mood and allow tasks to be performed with ease. Australia has established a set of standards that enforce minimum brightness levels for a range of settings. Below we have recommended types of downlights and their spacing requirements to meet the standards and bring exceptional lighting to your space.

Goodluck with your lighting design.

Australian Standard Lux Levels

World Of Thought recommends the following lux levels for both residential and commercial spaces. All residential recommendations are only suggestions as there are no Australian standards dictating light levels in homes. However, all commercial recommendations are in accordance with the Australian Standards Lux Levels (AS 1680 series) for commercial settings.

*Lux Level measures the light intensity falling on a surface. One lux is equal to one lumen per square meter. For more information visit Lighting School Terms. ** No luminaries closer than 2m to the walls. The following assumptions were incorporated into the data: all roofs 2.7m, all tables, benches, desks are 0.7-0.8m high.

Types of Lighting

Lighting can be categorised into the following application types:

• General Lighting
• Indirect Lighting
• Direct Lighting
• Task Lighting
• Accent Lighting
• Projection Lighting
• Orientation Lighting
• Wash Lighting

General lighting

General lighting refers to an even illumination, commonly found in horizontal spaces. It can include a basic lamp on a table or a lighting fixture in a ceiling. General lighting can be further divided into direct and indirect forms of lighting.

Indirect lighting

Indirect lighting uses room surfaces such as ceilings or walls to act as light reflectors. By bouncing light of different surfaces a soft, uniform distribution of light with minimal shadowing occurs. Indirect lighting is helpful for making spaces appear brighter and more spacious as well as useful for lighting vertical surfaces such as bookshelves.

Direct lighting

Direct lighting occurs when 90 to 100 per cent of the emitted light is distributed in the general direction of the surface to be illuminated. Often the light is cast downward making it suitable for working areas. Brightgreen’s award winning D900 downlight offers direct lighting.

Task lighting

Task lighting occurs in functional spaces that require concentrated purposes, such as reading or writing. Task lighting is often brighter than other forms of lighting, but varies depending on the nature of the task. For example hospital surgical rooms require brighter light levels than libraries.

Accent lighting

Accent lighting is generally applied to decorative lighting designs and is intended to highlight elements and objects in a space. Accent lighting allows certain objects to be stand out or attract more attention in a given space. This type of lighting is commonly found in jewellery stores and other retail settings.

Projection lighting

Projection lighting is used for projecting signs, patterns and images with lights. Projecting lighting can be seen as its own art form and is often found in contemporary art spaces and exhibitions.

Orientation lighting

Orientation lighting provides orientation and guidance around a certain space or landscape. An example of this type of lighting are the lights highlighting each stair in a cinema. This type of lighting requires low illumination levels and often uses small light sizes.

Wash lighting

Wash lighting is a form of lighting often used to emphasize architectural designs or objects in a room. This type of lighting allows room properties to be highlighted and noticeable to occupants in the space. Wash lighting is often applied in museums or large public areas and can further be divided into symmetrical and asymmetrical forms.

Further Education

World Of Thought recommends the following publications for lighting designs:
• Lighting Design Basics by Mark Karlen and James Benya
• Residential Lighting: A Practical Guide to Beautiful and Sustainable Design by Randall Whitehead
• Interior Lighting, Fourth Edition by Gary Gordon
• Architectural Lighting: Designing with Light and Space by Herve Descottes and Cecilia Ramos
• Lighting Design: Principles, Implementation, Case Studies (Detail Practice) by Ulrike Brand
• Lighting: A Design Source Book by Elizabeth Wilhide and Ray Main
•  In Praise of Shadows, Junichiro Tanizaki, 1933 Japan, translated by Thomas Harper & Edward Seidensticker
• The Architecture of Light: Architectural Lighting Design Concepts and Techniques by Sage Russell