Definitions of Lighting Terms The following is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete list of lighting techniques, terms, or devices. It is, rather, a sampling of definitions frequently used by Lighting Designers and their clients. Accent Lighting Accent lighting focuses the observer's attention. The accented object or subject matter could be as elaborate as a marble replica of the Statue of David or as simple as a small flower arrangement along a walkway. Architectural Lighting Architectural lighting brings out distinct details of a structure or building. Buildings with a well-lit front entrance are both inviting and appear safer. Lights can also be used to bring out stonework or to draw attention to columns or ornamental walls. Energy Efficiency Increasing power costs and a changing economy has heightened public conscience of daily electrical usage. Although many different lighting designs can accomplish the goals of a project, some use energy more responsibly than others. A professional designer focuses on designs that use energy wisely, ultimately having the project pay for itself. Flood Lights Security lighting primarily employs floodlights to literally 'flood' or 'wash' the chosen area with light at a moments notice. The actual lamps used in floodlights can be incandescent, HID (high intensity discharge), or other technologically enhanced lamps that produce a bright, directional 'wash' of light. Glare Glare is the action of light exiting the lamp (light bulb) and directly entering the observer's eye. Glare can be useful or a hindrance. A brilliantly lit gas station with a lot of glare at the end of a lonely road is more inviting than a dimly lit station with glare control. However, eating at a restaurant, buying an engagement ring, or working on a computer becomes impossible when squinting is necessary due to glare. A trained designer will minimize or eliminate glare except where necessary. Intensity Varying the intensity or brightness of light helps control the viewer's perception of a space. A bright pin spot of light in an otherwise dark room will focus the viewer's attention on that area of light. General illumination of the same level will not make any area stand out and the viewer's attention will be focused by other means. Adding multiple layers of light of varying intensities will add depth to a space and add visual interest. Landscape Lighting Control Systems A number of different control systems exist to automate outdoor lighting fixtures. By using timers, photo-detectors, and switches, the lighting system can react to various situations and produce varying effects. Mood Lighting The selection and creation of a mood through lighting is the number one goal of good lighting design. Some spaces need bright, shadowless light (offices, commercial workshops), other spaces need mid-level illumination of general light & areas of highly focused light (museums, art galleries), and there still exists spaces that need a combination of both these examples (retail shops, grocers, home offices). The control of mood becomes more prevalent in areas that are used for multiple purposes. Motion Detectors Motion detectors are added to a security lighting system or infrequently used areas where automation is desired to trigger lights at the detection of motion. This option allows the lights to remain off, saving electricity, while immediately turning on when someone or something crosses its path. These devices are highly effective against intruders and are used to eliminate having to fumble with switches as visitors approach. Ornamental Lighting This type of lighting can be divided into two categories. The first are fixtures that are meant to be seen (artistic or attractive in nature), and the second are specialty fixtures. Fixtures meant to be seen encompass methods from a variety of the other categories. These fixtures are often made of bronze, distinctive ironwork, or of special materials. Specialty lights include many different fixtures primarily relating to tasks. Fixtures in this category have the primary purpose of uniquely dispersing light, creating a distinct mood, or projecting special patterns. Path Lighting Path lighting provides safety along pathways without compromising the intimacy of the overall design. Path lights come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes all designed to illuminate a path without shining light in the observer's eyes or flooding the entire area with light. Photo-detectors Photo-detectors can be connected to an entire system or to individual lights. These devices sense daylight and turn the system or light on or off, accordingly. They also reduce electrical usage and automate a system; thus, eliminating the need for constant monitoring. Post Lights Post lights are often used to mark driveways, sidewalks, and other paths that are usually some distance from the home or business structure. The use of post lights along a residential street greatly increases the friendliness of the neighborhood and promotes overall safety. Security with Landscape Lighting Landscape lighting reveals interesting aspects of a structure and its landscape through the strategic placement of light fixtures. Although security is not the primary purpose of this method of lighting, it is greatly enhanced by employing these techniques. The proper use of landscape lighting illuminates all pathways, doorways, landscaped areas, and the front foilage of a home or business place. Sign and Object Lighting The primary purpose of object lighting is to illuminate only the object of interest without 'spilling' the light into other areas. Fixtures used for this application have various methods of focusing an illuminating beam in a particular direction. Some use PAR lamps (parabolic reflectors) that have varying angles of coverage while others use the actual fixture to focus the light. Another main concern in this area is color. By choosing different colors, various desired effects can be accomplished. Timers Timers reduce electric usage by only turning on the system during specific times of the day or week. They can also be used to control lights when a client is away from the premises to simulate a feeling of occupancy or to turn the system off so that neighbors are not offended with continuous bright lights. Whole-House Control Systems Home lighting automation is built on the principle of repetitiveness. People tend to go through the same routines each day. In the morning the same lights are turned on, when arriving home from work or retiring for the evening a certain set of lights are set in a certain manner. The home control system uses this idea to create an interface to control sets of lights at the touch of a button.

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