Creating a lighting plan in 5 steps

All about creating a good lighting plan in 5 concrete steps

What is a lighting plan?

The lighting plan translates the requirements and preconditions of a building or space into a lighting design. This includes consideration of daylighting, reflection factors and, of course, the function of the rooms to be illuminated. Creating a professional lighting plan is the first step to a well-lit space with the right atmosphere. So it is important to pay attention to this in time.

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Why create a lighting plan?

Creating a lighting plan is essential to get a good idea of the future situation. With an overall picture of the space and a floor plan, it is easier to estimate what is needed where. By creating a good floor plan, all parties know where they stand.

Based on the lighting plan, the installer can place, for example, the installation plan, air handling plan and air conditioning units in the floor plan. So not only is it convenient for one’s own overview, it also saves time and money because all parties are better coordinated.

Roadmap: Making a lighting plan in 5 steps

Step 1: Building/space inventory

First, the dimensions of a room or building must be carefully considered. Here, the height of the ceiling, daylighting and reflection factors are important. The type of ceiling, associated boundary conditions and available power points are also important. Based on this inventory, an overall picture is drawn for the rest of the process.

Step 2: Customer requirements package

We then consider the needs of the owner of the space or building. This involves discussing the desired layout of the space. The function of the lighting is also determined.

For example, this will be different for a dental office than for an office, drawing room or production hall. Based on these requirements, lighting ratios and both light color and illuminance are determined.

Step 3: 3D drawing based on floor plan

Now there is enough data to create a 3D drawing based on the floor plan. Several programs are used during this step. A digital floor plan is mainly done in autoCAD, but lighting plans require more specialized programs such as Dialux and Relux. In these programs, a realistic 3D environment can be recreated or built for the client so that the client can gain insight into what it will eventually look like.

Step 4: Choosing lighting and making a lighting plan

During this step, detailed aspects of the lighting plan are considered. This includes looking at the type of fixtures, light intensity, light color (CCT) and lighting ratios. During this step, it becomes clear what the space will look like and what kind of light is required to meet the client’s needs to create an atmospherically and functionally lit space.

Step 5: Integral advice

Finally, consider the practicality of the installation. Power points and circuitry must be determined and the placement of lighting in relation to other disciplines must be checked. Now an integral lighting plan has been drawn up, weighing the interests of all parties.

Tips on creating a lighting plan

Light is the determining factor for the atmosphere in a room. Creating a lighting plan pays off, but it can also certainly be a tricky job. Here are a few more tips.

  • Don’t forget to include dimmers in the lighting plan: in fact, dim lights can affect the atmosphere in a simple but effective way.

  • Note different light colors of the lamps: where bright light is useful for focus in a dental office, for example, softer and warmer light, on the other hand, creates a convivial atmosphere. So think about this carefully.

  • Provide balance between direct and indirect light. Thus, there is a good balance between atmosphere and functionality.

Do you want a professional lighting plan? Clearlight is at your service and happy to help you with the drawing up a lighting plan. Contact us to discuss the possibilities without obligation.

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