The design of interior lighting systems in any architectural space is of utmost importance (Binggeli, 2013). The finishing of an architectural space has to be aesthetic. Thus, it is only possible to achieve such a finishing with proper interior lighting systems (Diprose & D’Aprano, 2008).
More so, the light intensity and color should match with the paintings of the architectural space (Di’ Louie, 2008). This study will analyze the lighting systems that are appropriate for a living room and the pros and cons of internal lighting systems installed in living rooms.
The structural design of the living room being referred to is rectangular with the walls made of a transparent material which is crystalline in nature. The first type of furniture available in the living room is a two seat couch, which is placed on the right side of the living room in close proximity to the balcony.
The second item is a three seat couch on the back side of the living room away from the main door. The television stand is placed on the southern part of the living room just adjacent to the main door.
In addition, a coffee table is located at the central point of the living room and a second coffee table is placed next to the three seat couch at the back of the room.
The walls and ceiling boards of the living room are white in color, and the two seats are made of a brown leather material. More so, the living room has wooden tables and cupboards which are dark colored and brown.
The living room is used for various events and functions such as meetings, discussions, fellowship, dining, studying and watching various movies and television shows (Dall’O’, 2013).
In addition, the visual tasks pertaining to the architectural space include viewing of various study materials placed on the bookshelf, observation of the living room’s finishing, unrestricted movement in the living room and a clear vision of the television set (Fielder & Jones, 2001).
Living rooms are architectural spaces that are designed for activities that are private and confidential in nature (Wordenweber, 2007). Hence, it is imperative for the quality of the circulating air to be appropriate so as to make the living room habitable (Binggeli, 2013).
The occupants of a specific architectural space always prefer to have some quiet time alone without disturbance. Thus, the process of designing internal lighting systems should establish that the lighting system complies with the criteria discussed in this study.
The lighting system should aid in making the entire architectural space visually appealing and attractive (Diprose & D’Aprano, 2008).
The internal lighting system is comprised of 450 watt bulbs whose filaments are made of tungsten. The four light bulbs form a square shape at the central point of the living room’s ceiling, and produce a yellow light that propagates perpendicularly downwards. The light has an adequate intensity and the capability to illuminate images effectively (Di’Louie, 2008).
The main challenge of this lighting system is that it does not cater for the aspect of highlighting in the architectural space. Although the lighting system is not adequate based on the living room’s criteria for internal lighting, the cupboard’s focal glow is appropriate.
The use of halogen reflector lamps is not wise as they lack the appropriate illumination required for living rooms which are occupied by residents (Dall’O’, 2013).
Shades have been used in the architectural space, especially on the right side of the room and the northern sectors of the living room’s walls. This aids an individual in viewing the wall clock in the architectural space and also enhances an appropriate mood.
The other challenge facing this lighting system is the orientation, strength and illumination of the light since it causes discomfort to an individual’s eye due to the bright spots at undesignated places in the living room.
In addition, the current lighting system is not appropriate for reading due to the bright nature. An occupant sitting on the sofa is adversely affected by the bright spots which act as a nuisance especially when watching the television set.
The solutions to these challenges are several; first it is essential for an appropriate luminance to be created in the frequently used areas of the living room (Fielder & Jones, 2001). Light that is ambient in nature will enhance the vision of the occupant’s in the living room, enabling them to clearly see all the people and furniture in the living room (Wordenweber, 2007).
The illumination of the seats and coffee tables will also be improved massively. Thus, to ensure reading activities are stress free, installation of portable lamps is imperative (Diprose & D’Aprano, 2008).
In conclusion, the lighting system is of massive importance in any architectrural space, and if the lighting system is not properly installed the architectural space becomes dull and lacks glare. The pros and cons of a lighting system have to be analyzed in detail before implementing that specific lighting system.
References
Binggeli, C. (2013). Building systems for interior designers. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Dall’O’, G. (2013). Green energy audit of buildings: A guide for a sustainable energy audit of buildings. London: Springer.
Di’Louie, C. (2008). Lighting Control Handbook. Lilburn, GA, USA: The Fairmont Press.
Diprose, S. & D’Aprano, A. (2008). Section 4: Energy Efficient Lighting, Lamp choices. Web.
Fielder, W., & Jones, F. (2001). The Lit Interior. Oxford, UK: Architectural Press.
Wordenweber, B. (2007). Automotive lighting and human vision. Berlin: Springer.