WHAT IS LIGHT ?
Light is a form of energy without which there can be
no vision. When light strikes an object, it may be
reflected, absorbed or allowed to pass through.
IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING
It has a definite emotional effect
and is stimulating
Lighting plays both a functional
and aesthetical role in a hotel
It enhance the guest experience
It changes the mood of a room
Artificial light can produce a
harmonious effect throughout a
room in addition to its basic
function of providing visibility
It brings out ambience and
quality of experience in the hotel
TYPES OF LIGHT
Light can be classified in many ways
Source based classification
Based on the way light is directed on the object
Function based classification
SOURCE BASED CLASSIFICATION
Natural light: the bright radiant energy of the sun, day light is a
major determining factor in the design of the hotel guestroom
Light
and house
Artificial
Natural
Incandescent fluorescent
Artificial light: well planned artificial illumination help us to
see without strain and help to prevent accidents. It can be
further classified depending upon the way it is produced and
the way it is used
Incandescent and Fluorescent lights
BASED ON THE WAY LIGHT IS DIRECTED ON THE OBJECT
Direct light: These kind of lights comes from source such as sealing
fixtures, that shed light downwards, or from lamps with translucent
shades spreading light in all direction
Indirect lighting: this is usually from concealed sources in alcoves,
cornices or valances. It is softer than direct lighting, but more costly in
installation and operation
Diffused lighting: when light fittings are completely enclosed as with
some globes and sealing panels, the light is diffused since it passes
through the glass or plastic
Semi indirect lighting: it is possible to have some light passing through a
diffusing bowl and some reflected off the sealing where the fixture is open
on top
Incandescent light: light is produced by
heating any material, usually metal, to a
temperature which it glows. Typical
incandescent bulbs have a tungsten filament
in a sealed glass container.
Advantage: bulb costs less than the fixtures
and tubes used in fluorescent or discharge
types
Fluorescent light: are a luminescent or cold source of light. A glass tube with an
inside coating of fluorescent powder is filled with vaporized mercury and argon.
The ends are then sealed with two cathodes.
Fluorescent tubes comes only in straight or circular shapes.
they consume less energy than incandescent bulbs
It can be further classified into low pressure and high
pressure lamps depending
on the pressure inside the tube
METHODS OF LIGHTING
There are two methods- Architectural and Non Architectural lighting
Architectural and Built-in lighting: it supplies lighting that is functional and unobtrusive
And is particularly good fro contemporary rooms. It may be achieved in following
ways:-
•Valance lighting
•Cornice lighting
•Cove lighting
•Track lighting
•Soffit lighting
FUNCTION BASED LIGHTING
General or area lighting: this illuminates the room more or less
uniformly. It brings the design and colours of the whole space to
equal attention. It minimize the bulkiness of furniture, the dark of
shadows and harsh contrasts
Local or specific lighting: for specific activities and specific
locations. Divided as two task lighting and accent lighting.
Safety lighting: it is a type of bright lighting used for safety
reasons
Valance lighting
A horizontal fluorescent tube is placed behind a valance board, casting light
upward so that it reflect off the ceiling and also downwards to shine on the
drapery, thus producing both indirect and direct lighting
Cornice lighting
A cornice is installed under the ceiling, with a fixture hidden beneath so
as to direct light downwards only. This can gives a dramatic effects on
drapery, picture and wall coverings
Cove lighting
This consists of placing a continuous series of fluorescent tube in a
groove along one or more walls of a room, about 12 inches from the
ceiling. The light reflects off ceiling and bathes the room in indirect light.
Track lighting
Plugmold-type wire mould strip or track lighting consists of lamps fixed
to the ceiling or wall in an array to offer great variety. One strip often
holds spotlight, floodlight, and even hanging fixtures that may be
turned around to follow furniture placement.
Soffit lighting
This refers to a built-in-light source under a panel. It may be fixed to a
ceiling or under a cabinet. Soffit lighting is often used a sink or other
work areas.
Non- Architectural Lighting
These types include various fixtures and lamps.
•Ceiling fixtures
•Wall fixtures
•Portable lamps
LIGHTING PLANS
A variety of lighting is necessary in most rooms and public
areas. Provide first for efficiency and safety. You can customize
the lighting features to highlight a room’s appealing aspects,
enhance colors, spark drama and interest, change moods and
cosy up too large spaces
ENTRANCE AREAS AND LOBBY
The entrance of any establishment should look inviting and the lighting
should be in keeping with the character and atmosphere of the place. In a
large area chandelier, cove lighting, wall brackets or pelmet type can be
used to provide general illumination.
RESTAURANTS AND PUBLIC AREAS
•Atmosphere of lounge should be one of comfort and restfulness
•Scultpures or paintings can be highlighted using spotlights
•Concealed lights are used to dramatize foliage and around
water features
•Chandeliers look elegant in banquet hall
GUESTROOMS AND CORRIDORS
•Guestrooms do not necessarily require general
lighting
•There should be adequate lighting in
different
parts of the room
•Switches must be easily accessible
•Bedside lights
•Desk lamp
Bathroom
•There should be vapur proof fittings
•Switches should be outside the bathroom
•Bare bulbs around mirror
•Adequate lighting must be provided in the shower area
•A plug point must be provided for operating shavers and hair dryers
as well
•Subdued lighting
•Gloom should be avoided
•Light fittings in the corridors should
not be spaced further apart than 1 ½
times their distance from the floor
•Stairs should be well lit to prevent
accidents
•For safety reasons lights for
corridors, stairways, and fire exits
should be left on during night as well
•There should be an emergency
lighting system
CONSIDERATIONS FOR A GOOD LIGHTING SYSTEM
•It should fully utilize the potential of daylight when available
•It should be energy efficient
•It should have good design and durability
•There should be ease of replacement of fixtures and bulbs
•It should be easy to maintain
•The amount of light needed for a particular area should be decided on and optimized by
the plan
