Lighting Design Glossary

Direct Lighting

(Term of lighting design)

Lighting provided from a source without reflection from other surfaces. In daylighting, this means that the light has travelled on a straight path from the sky (or the sun) to the point of interest. In electrical lighting it usually describes an installation of ceiling mounted or suspended luminaires with mostly downward light distribution characteristics.

Advantages:

• Very energy effective lighting.
• Plastic display of three dimensional objects, eg. sculptures.
• Well suited for zonal or accent lighting.
• Can create a vivid environment with attractive light and shadow patterns eg. on wall surfaces.

Disadvantages:

• The ceiling is relatively dark, which can cause a "cave like" environment.
• Luminaires with wide opening angle that are badly positioned can cause reflected glare on computer screens, dark "executive style" desk surfaces or glossy paper.
• Harsh shadows can be unflattering when cast on human faces.

Alternative lighting patterns are indirect lighting and mixed direct/indirect lighting.