Base lighting refers to the lighting that provides a basic, uniform illumination of a space, making it usable and safe . It's the first layer of lighting needed to properly illuminate a space, before adding additional layers such as task lighting or ambient lighting .
Features of basic lighting:
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Even illumination :
- Ambient lighting ensures that a room is evenly lit, without dark corners or areas. This provides a basic level of brightness for general activities.
- It prevents shadows that would make moving and performing daily tasks difficult.
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Goal :
- The primary function of basic lighting is to provide safety and visibility in a space so that people can move comfortably and perform activities without difficulty.
- It is essential in every room, from living rooms and kitchens to work spaces and bathrooms .
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Light intensity :
- Basic lighting usually has a moderate brightness that is sufficient to make the room visible, but not too bright or overpowering.
- For example, it can be provided by ceiling lights, recessed spotlights, or lighting that illuminates the entire ceiling.
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Type of lighting :
- Ceiling lights , such as surface-mounted or recessed lights , are commonly used fixtures for basic lighting. They illuminate the room evenly by directing light toward the ceiling or walls.
- Other examples include LED panels , pendant lamps for larger spaces, and floor lamps that can be placed anywhere in a room.
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Applications :
- Living Rooms : Basic lighting provides the general illumination of the room and allows you to relax or move around without having to turn on additional task lighting.
- Kitchens : Basic lighting makes it possible to see the room well during daily activities, such as cooking and cleaning.
- Bedrooms : It provides soft and even lighting to relax or prepare for sleep.
- Offices : Basic lighting ensures that the room is well lit for general activities and provides a comfortable work environment.
Benefits of basic lighting:
- Increases safety : It prevents accidents by evenly illuminating an area, so that obstacles or hazards are visible.
- Improves comfort : It provides a basic level of lighting so that the space is functional for everyday tasks.
- Easy installation : Basic lighting is relatively easy to install, with many fixtures such as ceiling lights and spotlights having little installation requirements.
- Typically energy efficient : Modern fixtures for basic lighting, such as LED lamps , are energy efficient, which contributes to lower energy costs.
Disadvantages of basic lighting:
- Can be too much or too little : In some cases, basic lighting may not provide enough brightness for specific tasks, or may be too bright if there is no task lighting.
- Less atmosphere : Basic lighting usually does not have an "atmosphere element" like other types of lighting, such as mood lighting or accent lighting .
Summary:
Basic lighting is the fundamental illumination needed to make a space clearly visible and functional for everyday activities. It provides safety and comfort through even light distribution throughout the space. While it provides the foundation for lighting, it is often supplemented with task lighting and ambient lighting to further personalize and optimize the space for specific applications.