lighting technology and products
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Lighting Design in Hotels course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Professional Certificate in Lighting Design in Hotels #
Professional Certificate in Lighting Design in Hotels
Accent Lighting #
Lighting that is used to highlight specific objects or areas of a space, such as artwork or architectural features. It adds drama and visual interest to a room.
Architectural Lighting #
Lighting that is integrated into the architecture of a space, such as recessed lighting, cove lighting, or wall washing. It enhances the overall design of a room.
Ballast #
A device used to regulate the current in a fluorescent or HID lamp. It provides the initial voltage to start the lamp and then regulates the current during operation.
Beam Angle #
The angle at which light is emitted from a light source. A narrow beam angle creates a focused light, while a wide beam angle provides more general illumination.
Color Rendering Index (CRI) #
A measure of how accurately a light source renders color compared to natural light. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating better color rendering.
Color Temperature #
A measure of the color appearance of light, usually expressed in Kelvin (K). Lower color temperatures (2000-3000K) produce warm, yellow light, while higher color temperatures (4000-6500K) produce cool, blue light.
Daylight Harvesting #
A lighting control strategy that automatically adjusts artificial lighting based on the amount of natural daylight available. This helps reduce energy consumption and provides a more comfortable lighting environment.
Dimming #
The ability to adjust the brightness of a light source. Dimming can be achieved through manual controls, timers, sensors, or smart lighting systems.
Downlight #
A type of light fixture that directs light downward, usually installed in ceilings. Downlights are commonly used for general illumination in hotel spaces.
Energy Efficiency #
The ratio of energy output to energy input of a lighting system. Energy-efficient lighting designs help reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
Fixture #
A complete lighting unit that includes a light source, housing, and any necessary accessories. Fixtures come in various shapes, sizes, and styles to suit different lighting applications.
Footcandle #
A unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of light intensity on a surface. One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
Glare #
Excessive brightness or contrast that causes discomfort or vision impairment. Glare can be minimized through proper lighting design and control.
Incandescent Lamp #
A type of light bulb that produces light through a filament heated to high temperatures. Incandescent lamps are known for their warm color and smooth dimming capabilities.
LED (Light #
Emitting Diode): A semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and come in a variety of colors and shapes.
Lighting Design #
The art and science of creating lighting solutions that enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and atmosphere of a space. Lighting designers consider factors such as light quality, quantity, distribution, and control.
Lighting Control #
Systems and devices used to adjust and manage the lighting levels in a space. Lighting control can include dimmers, sensors, timers, and smart lighting technologies.
Lighting Plan #
A detailed layout that specifies the placement, type, and quantity of lighting fixtures in a space. Lighting plans are essential for ensuring proper illumination and achieving the desired lighting effects.
Lumen #
A unit of measurement that quantifies the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. The higher the lumen output, the brighter the light source.
Luminance #
The amount of light that is emitted or reflected from a surface in a particular direction. Luminance is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2).
Luminous Flux #
The total amount of visible light emitted by a light source, measured in lumens. Luminous flux indicates the brightness of a light source.
Luminous Intensity #
The amount of light emitted in a particular direction from a light source, measured in candelas. Luminous intensity indicates the brightness of light in a specific direction.
Task Lighting #
Lighting that is focused on specific tasks or activities, such as reading, cooking, or working. Task lighting provides concentrated illumination to enhance visibility and productivity.
Uplight #
A type of light fixture that directs light upward, usually installed on the floor or low on a wall. Uplights are used to create ambient or decorative lighting effects.
Wattage #
A measure of the power consumption of a light source, indicating how much energy it consumes. Higher wattage bulbs generally produce more light but also consume more energy.
Zonal Cavity Method #
A lighting calculation method that divides a space into zones based on the distance from the light source and the reflective surfaces. The zonal cavity method helps determine the optimal lighting design for a space.