FOREWORD

Our relationship to our surroundings is directly related to the quality of the lighted environment. When the light is right, we see more deeply into the world. Quality lighting enhances our ability to see and interpret the world around us, supporting our sense of well-being and improving our capability to communicate with each other.

Because lighting is vital for vision, activity and perception, it is critical to provide a quality lighted environment for people who use lighting systems for work or leisure.

Llight design was developed to introduce architects, lighting designers, design engineers, interior designers and other lighting professionals to the principles of quality lighting design. These principles, related to visual performance, energy and economics, and aesthetics, can be applied to a wide range of interior and exterior spaces to aid designers in providing high-quality lighting to their projects.

The text is divided into four parts. Part I: Light Human Needs (Chapters 1-5) describes the principles and technical background involved in designing lighting that satisfies vision and visual comfort needs. Part II: Light Economics Environment (Chapters 6-11) deals with economic and environmental factors related to quality design. Part III: Light Architecture (Chapters 12-17) deals with lighting the built environment. And Part IV: Light Application (Chapters 18-20) presents the IESNA Design Guide, introduced in the ninth edition of the IESNA Lighting Handbook, updated and excerpted for this guide; an applications guide; and a list of questions that provide a checklist to identify issues critical to your specific project. Appendices, including a glossary and extensive endnotes, are also provided.

Light design is illustrated with sketches and photographs to enhance understanding of key principles and provide examples of applications. The illustrations portray many typical applications as well as more glamorous installations.

This guide focuses on design principles but defines key technical terms and includes technical background in the form of sidebars to aid understanding. Sidebars are identified as "basic" or "advanced" according to the level of explanation and technical knowledge. A glossary provides more rigorous definitions of lighting terms and metrics.

In addition, this text references other technical papers and IES publications that can provide additional research background, detail or specific design guidance. These documents, referenced in the endnotes, provide an extensive background of technical lighting knowledge and access to the latest research influencing our understanding of light.

Quality lighting design distinguishes the designer, provides full value to the client, and supports the design intent. light design will introduce you to the principles and background involved in achieving this level of lighting for people and buildings.