4) Color rendering index
CRI is a quantitative measure of how accurately LED light bulbs render color compared to natural light sources. A CRI of 80% to 90% is the most common LED CRI level on the market today. The higher the CRI level, the better the color rendering, and the higher the color reproduction of the object.
5) Dimming
While it is true that most newer LED technologies are dimmable, this is not the case. Before you buy an LED fixture, it's important to determine if it's compatible with a dimmer, and note that most dimmable LED fixtures require a specific type of dimmer.
6) Life of LED lights
The longevity is one of the most important factor which reflect the quality of LED light fixtures. The service life of LED lights is 2-10 times that of other ordinary lights. Some manufacturers offer warranties as long as 5-10 years for LED outdoor lighting options. So next time you start looking to buy outdoor LED lighting, be sure to check the warranty period. A lamp with a lifespan of 5-8 years makes your investment worthwhile.
6. Common types of facade lighting fixtures
Floodlight
Floodlight is a point light source that can illuminate evenly in all directions. The beam angle can be adjusted arbitrarily, and the light appears as a regular octahedron icon in the lighting space. Flood light is the most widely used light sources in rendering production, and standard floodlights are used to light up the entire scene.
LED linear light
The LED linear lights are suitable for indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, outlines the outline of buildings, and can also be used to create front-facing media advertising walls.
Wall washer
They can be used to outline large buildings, they can illuminate flat exterior walls and add life, or you can place them away from surfaces and let the light wash over the walls like water.
Spotlights
The exact opposite of a wall washer, as this technique places the light close to the facade and creates instant drama through features such as pillars, openings and architectural details.
Underground light
Some buildings require lights from the bottom to the top, so designers need buried lights. Due to the high light intensity, these lights can cover large areas, but setting the correct lighting angle plays a crucial role in the outcome of these facade lighting projects.
7. 2 important points for building facade lighting design
Learn about the best lighting areas
Making the perfect facade design doesn't require filling the area with endless lights to brighten everything up. Instead, it's most important to understand the most cost- and energy-efficient methods. It starts with evaluating the existing structure and design. Designers should understand the darkest point of a building and then choose fixtures and lighting methods accordingly.
Avoid imitating natural light anywhere
Most designers and building owners try to mimic natural lighting through their facade designs. While it's good to add some natural elements here, it's better not to make the whole building look like that. Facade lighting has many variations and design choices to decide. Sticking to a natural design will ultimately limit the potential of the project.
8. 6 guidelines to follow for exterior facade lighting
1) It should be consistent with the purpose
The design of the lamp should be such that it is synchronized with the purpose of the structure. For example, Beijing's Water Cube is the national swimming center built for the 2008 Olympics. If you look at the facade lighting of this structure, it changes to reflect the movement of the water it represents. This is mostly for aesthetic purposes, but you can see how it enhances the design and purpose of the structure.
2) should comply with the regulations
Since this involves external lighting, you don't want the authorities to question it. That's why building facade lighting should be designed to meet your community's regulations. For example, if you're using it to light your home, you'll want to make sure it meets nearby brightness limits -- if any. 3) Using energy-saving lamps
It avoids wasting energy and is better for the environment because it has no harmful emissions.
4) Should achieve the best artistic effect
There are many ways to illuminate the facade of a building. You can also use several light fixtures. From spotlights to floodlights and LED strips, media facade lighting and wall washes - all of which can provide dramatic effects. You can also use different shades and directional lighting techniques. It is important that the lighting does not overwhelm the design of the building.
5) Light pollution should be avoided
Before installing exterior wall lights, be sure to check the regulations on light pollution. This is especially true if you are building or your home is near a busy road. At night, vehicles rely on lights to see and get directions. You don't want your building or home to be so dazzling to them that they miss important signs. It's not just brightness. The angle and position of the lights are also important. If you have moving light fixtures, it shouldn't end up blinding anyone - whether driving or passing by.
9. Conclusion
Facade light is the perfect way to enhance and add to the life of any structure and building that is otherwise bland. These lamps are available in different design variations, multiple installation options and multiple color options, and in practice also need to add elements that blend well with the design environment.
For professional help with facade design, please contact the professionals at Suntech.