Lighting Fundamentals
Illuminance is light falling on a surface measured in footcandles. Distributed with an economic and visual plan, it becomes engineered lighting and therefore, practical illumination.

A lighting designer has four major objectives:

1. Provide the visibility required based on the task to be performed and the economic objectives.

2. Furnish high quality lighting by providing a uniform illuminance level and by minimizing the negative effects of direct and reflected glare.

3. Choose luminaires aesthetically complimentary to the installation with mechanical, electrical and maintenance characteristics designed to minimize operational expense.

4. Minimize energy usage while achieving the visibility, quality and aesthetic objectives.

There are two parts to the solution of a design problem. One is to select luminaires which are designed to control the light in an effective and energy efficient manner. The other is to apply them to the project with all the skill and ingenuity the designer can bring to bear from his own knowledge and all the reliable sources at their disposal.

This primer has been developed to give the designer a useful summary of basic lighting principles. It gives important data and practical information on how to apply them. It offers the assistance of the Holophane technical sales force who have Visual® application software and SALE™ economic analysis software at their disposal. The facilities and staff of the Holophane Technical Support Group are also available.

In addition, it prefaces a selection of quality lighting products that use the best design and manufacturing techniques of illumination science and technology available today. Their use assures the ultimate in lighting quality, economy, light distribution, energy efficiency and glare control.