Needs and Nice to Haves

We have a responsibility to deliver natural environments: whatever socio-economic, political or material constraints may exist.

Part L of the Building Regulations concerns itself with the conservation of fuel and power; translated, the global concern for alternative and renewable energy sources has affected the way we build. The main contenders, Nuclear and Wind Power are dangerous and relatively expensive to set up, so reducing energy consumption will allow exploration into new resource with less pressure to make mistakes.

CIBSE guides have addedd a further dilema by insisting on minimum levels of both direct and in-direct lighting (recorded in lux/lumens) for all interior environments both private and public.

The following will attempt to balance the rules using analysis of performance and reliability within parameters and attributes widely accetped. The areas will revolve around the light source, its diffuser and the immediate surrounding environment to the light fixture and housing.

Concept Solution

With a new mode of living and advances in artificial light; inspiration comes from natures positive influence on humans psycho-physical comfort. Couple this with anindirect lighting system that mimics naturally diffused light, and you have a unique un-obtrusive lamp.

Problems that may arise

Current LV lighting/lamp technologies tend LEDs to the forefront of this solution because of the relatively low heat dissapation and low energy consumption compared to cold cathode and regular halogen lamps.

The heat and lux omissions of LEDs are not directly proportional to that of other lamps and it is therefore difficult to compare but with LEDs becoming more readily available (along with low emission cathode tubes) more opportunitites are arising.

Realistic Solution

Light source - The nature of the brief tends towards use of both top and side emitting LEDs, this alloows greater lux in dispersed controlled areas, with little or no loss of power. Although viewing angles can be anything from 25-120 degrees, the wider the viewing angle the lower the luminous intensity of the beam: by composition of the two types a more optimum result can be achieved (they can be dimmed using pulse width modulation electronically controlled dimmers).

Colour has always been a concern, white LEDs (as opposed to yellow, green, red and blue) is a poor emitter of lumens; even with modern lenses a cluster of 32 LEDs will have a luminous intensity of approximately 74 lumens hence the importance of diffusers and material properties. To introduce colour as an option can be entertained; much can be learnt from the vibration when related to daily atmospheres.