Week Three: Assignments in Lighting

1. Make a simple furniture plan--to facilitate the lighting plan

A furniture plan should always be done before the lighting plan, even if it is a preliminary furniture plan.

This should be on a sheet of trace. In case changes are made later, it will save time.

Sketch a conversation grouping in the family room and living room, (or two groupings, if needed, for a very large room).

Sketch an appropriate-size table in the dining room, and one in the kitchen nook area.

2. Decide which Layers will be needed for Lighting in the residence.

Select the layers needed, using the class outlines, and the information in the text.

Most rooms will need three layers, of the 3 or 4 possible layers.

Some rooms will benefit from combining two layers, as mentioned in the text.

3. Make a Lighting Legend for the types of luminaires that will be used

A lighting legend is a list of the symbols you need to use for the lighting design.

You do not need specific luminaires to make the legend.

The legend will help move the project into the next phase by organizing your selections

Use a “list” format.

4. Select Lamps and Luminaires

Use the lighting legend as a shopping list.

Select lamps and luminaires using the legend and the furniture plan.

The various room sizes will help with the selection process.

Collect specifications for each lamp and luminaire selected. This will save time as the project progresses to the next few steps. It can be really hard to find the specs later!

5. Make a preliminary Reflected Ceiling Plan

Draw symbols for the luminaires selected, in the places they will be needed.

Keep and logical and orderly layout for the luminaires.

Use the layers you will need for each room.

Consider title 24 and client budget as you place the luminaires.

6. Decide on Controls and Switching

Select the correct switching and controls for your luminaires and lamps.

Group the switches or controls in the most logical place, and don’t overlook other possible entrances where they’ll be needed.

Be sure controls are convenient for the occupants, once furniture is in place.

Remember some rules in Title 24 relate to controls…

7. Make a Lighting Schedule

Your specs will make it easy to make a “schedule”, or chart, of the luminaires and lamps needed.

The schedule will also show the quantity of luminaires needed for the whole project, so you will need to show a correct quantity of each selection.

The contractor will rely upon your accuracy to install the lighting correctly, so check your work carefully.

Excel” is a good program to use for schedules.

8. Refine and Draft the Reflected Ceiling Plan

A final RCP is the next step in completing your finished lighting plan, (unless you will also make a power plan for the project)

This plan should have the schedule, the legend, the name of your firm, the scale, and all other pertinent information.

You may use either hand-drafting or CAD for this step.