Lighting fixtures for Architecture: Picking the Right Specifications

It turns out that selecting the next lighting fixture is like shopping for a brand new car. Lighting fixtures that are Specification Grade are lighting fixtures with architectural designs. That is they usually have a number of specifications (options) to pick from - specifications which allow the fixture to be customized for the particular project. This helps the fixture to adapt to the architectural style, and not the other way around. Remember: we would like it to be a part of the design of the context or setting.

Light TN offers outdoor lighting services, including architectural as well as landscape lighting Nashville. Knowing the specifications is key to selecting the right luminaire. We will go over the various specifications, including size/dimension, finish , and lighting output.

But first, here's a useful infographic:

Size/Dimension

Product specific. The Phillips Ledalite 1201 Jump Ledalite Linear Pendant Fixture comes in two sizes, 4 feet and 8 feet.

Final

Product specific, which includes color and gloss/matte options. Most popular choices are black, silver, and white. A lot of factories can paint a desired fixture according to the RAL color chart which is a four-digit number chosen by the architect or the designer. You can choose from colors such as fire engine red grass on the opposite side of green, or black and white.

Beam Spread

Beam spread applies to architectural recessed downlights as well as track lighting when a certain spread is needed to highlight an artifact, furniture or painting. In degrees

As a rule of thumb, a greater beam spread is better to provide general lighting. A smaller beam spread is more suitable for lighting for spotlighting. Recessed LED fixtures can be used for a variety of applications. You can select between wide flood, flood, or narrow flood.

Furthermore, some companies offer several beam spread lenses after an order is made, to allow the installer to select and install in the field based on requirements of the project.

Light output

Self-explanatory, for the most part: the output of light is the quantity of light required for the space according to the calculations of the architect, electrician, or designer of lighting. In terms of lumens

Color Temperature

Color temperature can range from cool to warm. It could range from 2700K (yellowish hue) and up to 6500K (bluish hue also called daylight). For residential use, either 2700 or 3000K is the preferred color temperature for a warm and cozy look. Commercial applications, the majority of businesses prefer 3500-4000K for better worker visibility and productivity. For Nashville lighting company of 5500K is the ideal.

That being said, if it's an outdoor lighting company Nashville fixture typically, it's available in numerous color temperatures from daylight to warm.

CRI

CRI (color rendering int) is an option. It measures the accuracy that a light has to precisely render colors. There are two options: CRI 80+ or 90+. A CRI of 90+ or more is for a higher quality lighting, however it could be more costly. In states such as California, CRI 90+ is mandatory for lighting in residential areas and, in the near future the standard could also be applied to commercial lighting. More accurate color rendering for everyone!

Light Distribution

Fixtures with a light distribution option can be chosen as direct (downlight only) indirect, direct, or direct/indirect.

Mounting Type

You have several options for architectural lighting fixtures, including surface mount or pendant, wall mount, and recessed mount.

More! Certain architectural fixtures that are recessed are available either trimless or with trim. The trimless option makes the fixture a cleaner, and, yes, an architectural appearance.

Pendant fixtures can be made using kit kits for aircraft cables that are adjustable or rod or stem mounts. Stem length needs to be specified during the order process.

Driver

Based on the lighting control system recommended by an engineer or architect, a certain driver is selected to accommodate that system. The most commonly used dimming system is currently between 0 and 10 volts.