Light series 2-Art Gallery

This observation was done at the Greenbean, which showcases art from local artist.  The primary light source is track lighting flood lights.  The luminaries are excellent for wallwashing and spot lighting the art, but for general lighting they cast to many shadows.  There are a few pendants at the bar area, but overall the space lacks proper general lighting.  General lighitng needs to be addressed because not only is the space a gallery, but it is also a coffee shop.

Light series 2-restaurant

This observation was done at Mo's restaurant 9:30pm.  The restaurant uses multiple types of luminaries.  There are pendant, recessed cans, and track lighting.  The track lighting was used to wall wash and spot posters on the walls.  The pendants are suspended above each table, while the recessed cans are primarily in the area of food preparation.  The number of activities and number or users in this space required diverse lighting. Dining will require less light than food prep.  The lighting of the space is very appropriate for a restaurant setting.

Light series 2-Retail store 9pm

The brightness of the space is adequate for a retail environment.  There are several different types of luminaries used.  There are tubular fluorescents in the integrated ceiling lighting.  There are also compact fluorescent bulbs used in the rectangular baffled wall washers. These wall washers are used in the display of the vintage bikes on the walls.  They are mixed with track lighting  spot luminaries.  There is to much glare and brightness at the well display.  Using a lower wattage would create less of a glare on the chrome glossy wheel surface.  The general lighting of the recessed fluorescent lamps provides for excellent general lighting for a retail environment.

"In Praise of Shadows"

An Exhibit from the V&A Museum

This was a September 2009 exhibit exploring the capabilities of low voltage lighting and alternative energy sources.  It focuses on new ways light can be utilized.  The exhibit was created as a response to the phasing out of low efficiency bulbs.

Light Sketch Series 1 Photos & Sketches - Day Three 10/6/09 5:30pm

This day had the most uniform lighting.  There was daylighting and the electric metal halide lamps were on.  There are still reflections in the terrazzo floor of the trees across the street.

So far, this has been the best lighting in the lobby for reading and studying.  The light cast on the floor is much more perpendicular to the wall of windows than in the first set of pictures.  

Light Sketch Series 1 Photos & Sketches - Day Two 9/15/09 4:30 pm

This day the lobby lighting was more consistent.  All the light was daylight, no electric light because the metal halide lamps were not on yet.  The contrast isn't as high as it was with the last photos.  There are not as many dark shadows.  Reflections of the trees across the street can be seen in the terrazzo floor. The lighting is much more uniform than the previous light series photos.  As a result, the light is sufficient for reading and studying.  

Light Sketch Series 1 Photos & Sketches - Day One 9/8/09

  Instead of choosing a room in my home, I decided to study the entry @ UNCG's Gatewood Studio Art Center.  I felt that this room would receive a lot of natural light and as a result, create interesting light patterns. Also, the reflective materials would reflect light in various ways.

First, here are some pics from the first day, 9/8/09 @ 4:30 pm

                                                                                                                                                                                 

The light coming in to the lobby was extremely bright on this summer day, so bright that the contrast of light & dark was high.  The interior metal halide lamps had not come on yet, so all the light was from daylight which entered into the lobby from the wall of windows at the entrance.  Large diagonal shadows were cast on the terrazzo floor. The lighting is not fit for study because there is either to much glare or to much shadow.

SURFACE LIGHTING DESIGN

Integrating lighting into a surface had become common in the design of interior and exterior products.

I remember recently viewing a TV program that was showcasing exterior kitchens.  There was a design of a countertops that included LED lights.  The lighting of the surface was not uniform, but rather it appeared as a constellation pattern.

David Bruno &  Barry Earl have created "Lights On", an interior glass door with an intergrated light feature.  They have used edging light with extremely low profile LEDs.  Using these lights allows the designs to illuminate the surface, while hiding the luminaires.  The designers have used them in their "Lights On" project.  This product is interior lit door can be used day and night, while being activated by remote control.

This product makes use of repurposing an existing somewhat "essential" interior product.  In turn, possibly providing for less future waste.

Louvers

I just came from Jackson Library. The area at the elevators on the first floor needs more lighting for the computers that are across from them. Also, there's a directory by the elevators, but it is pretty hard to see because of how dim it is there.

On the different towers (floors) its excellent how they have brought a lot of natural light into the spaces with the large windows. Its even better that the majority of the task/study stations are far enough away from the natural light, to reduce glare.

Each aisle has fluorescent lamps central to it and equally spaced. All of the fluorescent fixtures have louvers to redirect the light in multiple directions, again reducing glare as you look through the texts.

I didn't check out the bathrooms there yet! haha! Though, I could see observing lighting in public bathrooms becoming an interesting topic in my blog.

Lighting of a Public Restroom

So my work recently changed out the fluorescent bulbs in the women's restroom. SOme of the lamps had gone out and needed to be replaced. It was startling to when I walked in. The lamps color temperature was so drastically different from the previous one's. I looked over into the janitors work room, were the extra bulbs were placed. I noticed they had installed 6500K lamps. No wonder! The originally ones had to have been somewhere around 3500K. I couldn't tell if I felt fine with the change or not. In some ways I wished they would of just left the room dim, like it was when the bulbs were blown out. I feel like I saw less dirt and grime when it was that way. However, the new light gave off a more clinical feeling to the room, as if it helped conveyed that the room was clean. They light gave off this psychological interpretation because of how bright, blue, and cool it appeared. So does it truly feel cleaner with this color temperature? I would have to say no. Again, if you can see dirt and grime or if the room smells like a public restroom, lighting is only one factor that can change the perception of cleanliness.

I have gotten a little used to them over the last several days, but i still believe the 3500K color temperature would of been best. I could guarantee you that the person who installed the new bulbs took none of this into consideration. They were surely more interested in cost.

R.L Vanstory Lighting Company

R.L. Vanstory Lighting and Electrical Products

Recently my Lighting Design class visited R.L. Vanstory Lighting Company in Greensboro, NC.

The company was founded in 1977. It is has had a significant impact on the lighting industry of central North Carolina.

What was gone over in their presentation to us, is directly linked to what were are currently studying. CRI, lamp types,light pollution, ballasts, and legislation codes that affect lighting design of commercial construction.

• 60 CRI is bad for color rendering of textiles
• higher CRI cooler the color rendering
• for incandescent 91% of the energy is lost in the heat it produces
• Incandescent best because of CRI 100, butt worst in efficiency
• CRI color temperature is listed on fluorescent bulbs
• blue color temperature is hot, 3100K or higher rating
• fluorescent bulbs are available in T12, T5, T8 tubular
• the number following the T on fluorescent lamps indicates the diameter of the tubular lamp
• example: T5 has a diameter of 5/8" (always measure in 1/8" of an inch)
• the mercury level in the tubular fluorescent with the green tips is less than the silver tip
• office buildings cannot exceed 1 watt per sq ft
• Energy Policy Act was passed in 2005. It gives incentives for companies to upgrade their lighting to something more efficient
• metal halides are good outdoor lighting source. They are very efficient. They are used in grocery stores and home centers. They take a while to startup.
• Fluorescent lamps last longer the less you turn then on then off.
• An Electric Ballast of a fluorescent lamp starts the lamp & limits the electrical current during the on cycle.
• 1,2,4 & 6 ballast are common
• Automatic shut off is part of electrical code
• Lighting pollution depends opn the angle off light
• Watts is relative to BTUs. For every watt consumed that wattage/btu is dumped in the environment.
• If you reduce number of watts, you can reduce the size of the HVAC system. Every 4 watts of lighting energy saved, 1 watt of the HVAc you save.
• Lamps can help heat a space
• Heat for Flood LED lamps collects at the back ofthe bulb
• LEDs do have color temperature in degrees Kelvin. 6000K give off bluer light temperature. 2700K give off warmer light temperature
• Some LEDs use a phosphor
• Once a LED light output gets below 75% it will give out
• Meaure of the output of a lamp is in luminance

Elliptapar: Melanie Naomi

• The elliptapar is based on a reflector used to light the Jefferson Memorial.
• 25 degrees above the horizontal is perfect reflector of light
• Circular and Parabolic reflectors are for a single focal point.
• Elliptical section of the elliptapar gives you teo focal points
• Elliptapar includes the elllipse and 2 parabolas. Its a reflector the company invented.
• Asometric Lighting or Wall Washing. It is indirect illumination. It enhances the perception of space and lighting. It improves visual comfort. This low level of illuminance used of even light. It focuses the viewers attention. It can also direct movement, ex: in airports to direct visiters.
• Why light a ceiling? It enhances architure. The fixture is tucked away. It is indirect illumination. IT improves visual comfort. Frees ceiling of clutter.

Lighting Evaluation Room 201

Lighting Evaluation

We individually analyzed a public office space used as the information center for the Interior Architecture program. We each observed the space at different times of the day. These times included around 10:45 am, 12:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. This space consists of two secretarial desks. Room 201, which includes both office space and a sitting area, is wider than it is deep. The wall behind the two desks consists mostly of windows. The light coming through these windows is balanced out over the desks with overhead lighting. Light is slightly dimmer at the seating areas, which gives them a more intimate feeling. The glass doors of the office allow electric light from the hallway to enter the room. To summarize, the dim balance of light makes the room seem calming, which is a nice feeling considering the use and the business of this space.

Compiled by Brooke Elliot, Allisyn Miller, Kat Sikes, and Felicia Dean

My own rating of the space from 1 (vague) to 7 (distinct) was as follows:

• distinct 3 vague
• faces clear 5 faces obscure
• bright 4 dim
• large 3 small
• spacious 4 cramped
• wide 4 narrow
• horizontal 3 to vertical
• colorful 3 colorless
• glare 4 no glare
• public 5 private
• relaxed 4 tense
• like 4 dislike
• satisfying 3 frustrating
• cheerful 5 somber
• interesting 4 somber
• interesting 4 monotonous
• beautiful 4 ugly
• pleasant 3 unpleasant

My overall impression was a 4. Some members got 3.5 - 5.

I think having us individually analyze the space, even at different time periods, reinforces the idea of lighting needing to be functionally, emotionally, and psychologically appealing during the rooms hours of operation. Overall it stayed very consistent in its appeal to the viewer. However, if the ability would of been there to access the space at night, with its electric light and that from the parking lot behind, would the space have evoked as neutral or calm of an impression as we all got during daylight hours? Also, might want to ask did the insulation quality of the walls, the the relaxed demeanor of the occupants, etc., play a role in the impressions? Or if the blinds were opened more or less, how would the room's lighting be affected? Overall, the electric light and natural light entering the room seemed to accomplish the task of creating a cozy environment, which is greatly appreciated in such a rigorous program.

Impact of Light on Health and Welfare

Impact of Light on Health and Welfare

F.D.

University of North Carolina – Greensboro

Course: Materials, Methods, and Techniques IAR 333-01

Instructor: Tina Sarawgi

Date: August 30, 2009

Impact of Light on Health and Welfare

Human health and welfare is greatly affected by natural and electric light. In what ways has natural and electric light impacted human health and psyche? Whether light promotes or disables good physical and mental health is based on the quality of the light and how/when it is used for interior and exterior lighting. Current and future studies linked to lighting and healthcare are bound to reflect the way in which interiors are designed in the health industry and in residential dwellings.

The quality of natural light can create beneficial and damaging affects on our health and psyche. Natural light can be glaring, diffused, reflective, harsh, dim, and luminescent, etc. These descriptions of light can be controlled to reduce its bad affects (Edelstein, 2009). Harsh direct sunlight can contribute to someone feeling hotter in an air-controlled room. By diffusing natural light, the light can still be bright, but not harsh. Thus, light can be evenly dispersed to simulate natural light in an open field, on a cloudy day. Usually, it feels cooler when it is cloudy out, and hot under the direct sunlight. By controlling the intensity of the natural light we can create a more comfortable interior atmosphere (Edelstein, 2009). This can be put into even a broader topic of how the reflective qualities of finish materials and products, such as blinds or curtain determine how natural light enters and exists in a room.

The quality of electric light can also create positive and negative affects on our physical and psychological health. If a person lets natural light into their home during daylight hours, they will generally use electric light in the rooms not well lit by the sun. So when are bulbs that are energy-efficient necessary? It seems that these would be best used in a room that is not well lit, while coinciding with daylight hours. If a bulb such as an energy-efficient fluorescent were used, it would inhibit a person’s melatonin production (Weiss, 2008). Based upon the 2009

article by Edelstein and the fact that fluorescents give off a blue light, this type of light creates a wakefulness response. One can concluded, that if used at night, this same light would pose a problem by restricting the production of melatonin. The problem is our bodies aim to produce more melatonin during the nighttime (Weiss, 2008). Such a situation, disrupts our internal circadian rhythm, “biological cycle” (Steffy, 2008). Our bodies are not naturally meant to feel alert when we are mentally aware it is nighttime outside. The receptor cell, ganglion, signals “light changes to nerves to synchronize the brain’s and body’s response to circadian rhythms” (Edelstein, 2009). This process “provides cues that can in turn affect the body’s endocrine, immune, cardiac, metabolic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses” (Edelstein, 2009). Thus, if we align darkness hours with electric light, we are disrupting all of the body’s cycles that circadian rhythm plays a role in.

In a healthcare facility, how and when people are exposed to natural light in, can impact the recovery of a patient (Edelstein, 2009). Doctors will always tell you that when you are sick, rest is important. Use of darkened conditions will promote rest and sleep, at anytime of day. (Edelstein, 2009). As we have stated before, the body has a circadian rhythm, so once a patient is in remission they may receive more exposure to natural. In turn, this should help adjust the patient’s body to its typical association of light and time. One could conclude, that over exposure to darkness could create illness in healthy bodies. For instances, being under exposed to natural light can cause physical and psychological aliments (Steffy, 2008). Seasonal effective disorder, SAD, “is a seasonal disorder attributed to” the limited time exposed to and/or intensity of natural light (Steffy, 2008).

A friend of mine recently told me of how depressed her sister was and how her home was always kept in darkness, with the blinds and curtains closed. Her sibling has created an

environment of darkness, which countries like Iceland have because of the length of its seasons. When comparing both cases to the Weiss 2008 article, you could infer that melatonin levels for both would be high. Ultimately, this creates a change in the body’s circadian rhythm. In the 2009 Edelstein article, she mentions darkness as a condition supporting rest. Therefore in both of the cases listed above, the body would want to be in rest for these long periods of darkness. Have you ever still felt tired after consistently over sleeping. Well over resting and lack of sleep can be harmful. The body isn’t maintaining its natural circadian rhythm if you’re sleeping into daytime, while driving on lack of sleep is dangerous. In order to maintain a healthy balance in societies that have long dark seasons, light therapy can be successful (Steffy 2008). Exposure to even electric light like fluorescents, which omit a blue light, can help in the recovery of SAD (Steffy, 2008)

How and when electric light is used can be negative and positive. Electric like create positive results in the workforce. Emergency rooms are always well lit with fluorescent electric light. As Edelstein mentioned in her 2009 article, adequate levels of electric light, blue light, aid in stimulating an alert response. At anytime of day or night, this would defiantly be a place employees would need to be fully awake and aware. The negative side to this is based on the 2008 article by Weiss. It sates the study of the negative physical affects that are linked to great amounts of electric light at nighttime. The study was on satellite images, which suggest the nighttime illumination of Earth links electric light to breast cancer (Weiss, 2008). The more excessive the nighttime illumination, the more susceptible the women were to breast cancer (Weiss, 2008). In turn, creating this illusion of natural light during nighttime hours is damaging the body’s natural cycle of maintaining its health. This deception disturbs our circadian rhythm.

The future of designing around how lighting affect health and welfare is vast. As more and more studies become available about how light impacts humans positively and negatively, there can only be a push for creating the positive. The quality of light and how/when it is used will need to become a priority of designers, since it will be one for the public. The focus will not only be on new construction, but also in revamping existing structures. We as designers are not only looked to for innovation, but also for problem solving. Once the general public takes notice of the positive and negative links and prioritizes them, we will be the designers they turn to. The need will expand beyond healthcare facilities and into residential dwellings.

References

Edelstein, E. (2009). Influence of Architectural Lighting on Health. InformeDesign Newsletter, 7 (2), 1-5.

Steffy, G. (2008). Architectural Lighting Design. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Weiss, R. (2008). Lights at Night Are Linked to Breast Cancer. Washington Post. February 20

Lighting, Health, and Welfare

Natural Science Center

Just some points to touch on from the lecture today, given by Rick Benton, at the Natural Science Center in Greensboro, NC.

Physics of Light and Color

• What is Light?

-electromagnetic radiation

-light is radiant energy

-only form of energy you can see

-other types of energy: x-rays, microwaves, radar, radio waves (all of which we cannot see)

• Sources of natural light?

-sun

-bioluminescence

-fire

-aurora borealis

-lightening

-stars

-lava

• How is light energy produced?

-by an atoms electrons

-electrons release a packet of energy to get back to its natural around the nucleus, which can create light.

• What are colors?

-light behaves both as a wave and a particle

-light rays come in different colors

-color is our minds way of distinguishing lightwaves

-violet the smallest wave

-red the largest wave

-reflection is the way we see color. come from white light.

-subtractive coloration-adding color is decreasing amount of color being reflected. like when overlaying crayon colors to get black.

-additive coloration-when you mix light and color. when you add a color, its get lighter and lighter

-three colors of light- red, green, & blue. just these three can give you white light

Intriguing Light Images

LZF

lamps

Designer

Luis Eslava

LP CENTRUM

Designer

Kurt Nørregaard, Poul Henningsen

THE ANDROMEDA LAMP

Designer

Ross Lovegrove

THE GREEN LAGOON

Northern California

   

                                                                       

     

GREEN ACRES

Australia