I had never considered the importance of the type of light distribution systems (a.k.a. light fixtures) in every day-to-day spaces. Luminares include the light fixtures, placement of light as well as bulb used. They reduce glare, direct light to support a specific task and may have aesthetic intentions.
Focusing on several types of commercial lighting fixtures, we went over the common, standard florescent two strip bulbs in a plastic textured enclosure, these account for 60% of all American public spaces. They are inexpensive yet at the same time, extremely effective in producing high light levels. My professor argued that they are no longer preferred because they cause a lot of glare.
Comparable to recessed lense troffers are parabolic systems, which have parabolic shaped individual reflective grid systems that were designed at the onset of the computer revolution in corporate offices. With these parabolic systems, one has more control of the amount of light that enters, and was created to balance the light coming from the ceiling and the light coming from computer screens. Found in mostly higher end commercial and higher education buildings, they offer a darker feel for the light coming off of a higher angle.
I’m finding this to be a very difficult course, because the content of the material covered is very rich and so different than the fantasy realm of design that I am used to. As a design student, creating away without a single notion of budget or many other practical limitations I have found at UC Davis, to be very difficult. I find that as I have been working at a TA and as a student at the CLTC, I have began to realize that creating within limitations give the final product or creating more deserving credit for their innovation.
http://cltc.ucdavis.edu/
(photo credit: personal photos)
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