Facade lighting is very important and gives it a special identity. In the past, facade lighting was used solely to highlight iconic buildings or historical monuments. Today, facade lighting is not just an aesthetic effect, but also pursues several practical goals. Among these goals are creating security and highlighting architectural elements. This article from EDC explains the principles of facade lighting and the tips you need to know for proper facade lighting.
Why is facade lighting important?
There are several reasons for the importance of facade lighting, which can be divided into two general categories:
1. Aesthetic goals
Highlighting architectural elements: Lighting can delicately highlight the architectural elements of a building, such as columns, arches, windows, and doorways, and add to its beauty.
Creating a dramatic atmosphere: Using contrast between light and dark helps create a dramatic and eye-catching atmosphere in the building’s facade.
Creating identity and distinction: Creative and unique lighting gives a building a special identity and distinguishes it from other buildings.
2. Practical goals of facade lighting
Increasing security: Appropriate lighting around the building, especially at entry and exit points, can help improve the security of residents and passers-by.
Attracting attention and advertising: Lighting the facade of commercial and office buildings can be used as a tool for advertising and attracting the attention of customers and audiences.
Guidance and routing: Lighting the building’s entrance, exit, facade, as well as the area around the building, can help passers-by navigate and find their way.
Reducing energy consumption: Using energy-efficient and smart lamps in facade lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption and electricity costs.
Building facade lighting; Step-by-step guide
Facade lighting is a delicate and artistic process that requires technical knowledge and creativity. To achieve the best result, the following steps can be followed in order:
Determine the goal: beauty, security, advertising, etc.
Choose the type of lighting: spot, linear or combined.
Choose the lamp: lamp, light color, intensity and angle of radiation.
Adhere to the principles: proportion, balance, contrast, glare-free, etc.
Lighting design: with software or manually.
Choose equipment: wire, transformer, dimmer, etc.
Technical calculations: footage, number of lights, power consumption, etc.
Execution and installation: by a skilled electrician and with safety in mind.
Adjustment and testing: adjusting the angle, intensity and color of light.
Maintenance and repairs: cleaning, replacing lamps, etc.
Principles of facade lighting
Facade lighting must be carried out based on principles and rules in order to achieve a desired result. It is important that the lighting is in harmony with the architectural style of the building. For example, for a classic building, subtle and soft lighting is used, and for a modern building, creative and dynamic lighting is used.
Do not use dazzling lights to illuminate the building facade.
Glaring lights are not only visually disturbing, but can also lead to light pollution. In addition to the above, you should also note that in facade lighting, a balance must be maintained between different elements such as light color, light intensity, and angle of incidence.
Building Facade Lighting Rules and Standards
Some of the rules and standards that you should keep in mind for building facade lighting are:
Prohibition of the use of disturbing and dazzling lights: Facade lighting should not be in a way that causes a disturbance to drivers, pedestrians, and residents of neighboring buildings.
Limitation on energy consumption: Facade lighting should be designed to minimize energy consumption.
Compliance with light pollution regulations: Facade lighting should not add to the light pollution of the environment.
Use of standard and high-quality lamps: For facade lighting, standard and high-quality lamps with a long lifespan and optimal light efficiency should be used.
Compliance with national and local regulations: Facade lighting must comply with national and local regulations related to this area.
Facade lighting techniques and methods
Various techniques and methods can be used to illuminate the facade of a building, the most common of which are:
1. Floodlighting
In this method, light is evenly distributed over the entire facade of the building. This method is suitable for highlighting the overall facade of the building. Flood lighting can be used in residential, office, commercial buildings, as well as historical and cultural monuments.
2. Spotlighting
In spotlighting, light is focused on specific architectural elements such as columns, arches, windows, and doorways. This method is very suitable for highlighting the subtle details and beauty of the building’s architecture. Spot lighting can be used in various types of buildings.
3. Linear Lighting
In this method, LED strips or light lines or linear lights are used to illuminate the facade. Linear lighting can be applied horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on the facade of the building. This method is very suitable for modern and contemporary lighting of buildings.
4. Dynamic Lighting
In this method, moving lights or interactive lighting are used. Dynamic lighting can include dancing lights, changing the color of light, or creating special lighting effects. This method is very suitable for creating a dynamic and eye-catching space on the facade of a building and can be used in commercial, office buildings, as well as recreational and cultural places.
Choosing the right technique and method for facade lighting depends on various factors such as the type of building, architectural elements, budget, and the taste of the employer.
Types of facade lighting lights
Choosing and purchasing building facade lights depends on various factors, including:
Type of building: residential, office, commercial, historical, etc.
Lighting technique: spot, linear, dynamic, etc.
Light color: solar, moonlight, colored, etc.
Light intensity: required amount of lighting
Light beam angle: direct, angled, etc.
Waterproof and dustproof: depending on environmental conditions
Energy consumption: use energy-saving and LED lamps
Life span: quality and brand of lamp
Budget: price of lamp
Some of the most common lamps used in modern building facade lighting are:
LED projectors: These types of lamps are available in different types with different powers and light colors and are considered an ideal choice for spot and linear lighting. LED projectors have very low energy consumption and a long lifespan.
Wall washer lights: These types of lights are used for uniform and soft lighting of flat surfaces such as building facades, walls and ceilings. Wall washers are available in different light colors and can be used separately or in combination with other lights.
LED strings: LED strings are available in different light colors and can be used for linear lighting, creating shapes and light writings or decorative lighting. LED strings have low energy consumption and a long lifespan.
SMD lights: These types of lights have very low energy consumption and are suitable for local lighting and lighting of raised letters.
COB lights: These types of lights have very low energy consumption and are suitable for local lighting and lighting of architectural elements.
Conclusion
In choosing the right light for building facade lighting, in addition to the above, other points should be considered, such as the warranty and after-sales service of the light. Using quality and standard lights not only adds to the beauty and efficiency of facade lighting, but also increases the lifespan of the lighting system and reduces its maintenance and repair costs. By choosing the right lights and considering the principles and standards of lighting, you can turn the facade of the building into a shining jewel at night and enjoy its stunning beauty in the dark.
It should be noted that the EDC brand offers its customers completely free calculation and design services and helps you purchase the right light for facade lighting according to your space and budget. In addition, EDC lighting products are offered with a 30+30 month warranty (30 month replacement warranty with a healthy product, 30 month repair warranty with company parts), so you can rest assured about the quality of the lighting products.
