How is Volumetric Lighting Used in Commercial and Residential Lighting Design?
Volumetric lighting is a lighting effect where the visible beam of light is an intentional component of the lighting design, used to enhance the space between the light source and the object(s) being illuminated. This enhancement adds the perception of volume and depth in the illuminated space. These illuminated light beams are often referred to as “god rays” when they are transmitted through conditions like haze or smoke. In a natural setting, an example of volumetric lighting occurs when light from the sun is visible as beams or “crepuscular rays” breaking through or from behind a cloud or mountain peaks in the horizon.
Volumetric lighting creates depth, directs the attention of the observer towards a certain object or space and sets an aesthetic tone in the illuminated environment. The application of volumetric lighting is intended to draw the attention of occupants to focal object or architectural features in the illuminated area by creating contrast, interesting shadows, and texture.
Atmospheric creation of volumetric lighting for memorable destinations
Atmospherics, like the previously mentioned smoke or haze, may be components of retail, hospitality, or entertainment venue. This particulate matter interacts the light, scattering and diffusing it which results a three-dimensional lighting effect in the space. Linear light fixtures concealed in coves or behind architectural elements is an effective technique for projecting light through atmospherics that are designed to hover along walls or other prominent visible structures. Projecting the light through louvers or other structures will add additional shadowing and texture, creating an even more intense volumetric display.
Light beams without atmospherics in commercial and residential spaces
Lighting practitioners also use volumetric lighting in both commercial and residential applications where the presence of fog or haze is not practical. Task lighting is an excellent way to create volumetric lighting. These types of light fixtures are designed with optics that have a distinguishable beam spread which can be applied to illuminate art, tabletops, retail goods, and items of interest.
The use of LED volumetric linear luminaires, can create a visual illusion by arranging and orientating the luminaires, so it the illumination increases the sense of size in a space or application. Volumetric lighting design in the hands of the lighting practitioner can take simple illumination in a space and reshape the space, giving it a three-dimensional quality. This directs the visual senses to key elements in the illuminated environment by creative use of illumination and shadows.
Volumetric lighting as a component of comprehensive lighting design
Ambient, accent and task lighting fixtures deployed as part of a professional lighting design can utilize volumetric light, wall wash and grazing optics, color changing features and light temperature controls to create unforgettable destinations. Cove lighting can focus illumination up or downward and give dimension to architectural items. Wall washing and grazing can provide visual interest to a textured or translucent wall. Color and temperature-changing (CCT) LED luminaires can mimic daylight or create the ambiance, along with full dimming capabilities, tunable white and warm to dim. Volumetric LED lighting can take an ordinary illuminated space and make it extraordinary.
