"The most important purpose of task lighting in the office is not increasing illuminance, but improving contrast."
This type of lighting is designed to provide illumination for specific activities such as desk work, cooking, reading, or putting on makeup. Examples include table lamps, under-cabinet lights, and vanity fixtures.
Types of lighting fixtures: Understanding the different types of fixtures used in task lighting, such as pendants, track lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and recessed lighting.
Lighting design principles: Principles such as layering, focal points, and balance that are used to create effective task lighting designs.
Color temperature: The color temperature of a light source affects the mood and functionality of a space. Learn about the different color temperatures and how they impact the perception of a space.
Lighting controls: The different types of lighting controls available, such as dimmer switches, timers, and sensors.
Lighting calculations: The calculations used to determine the appropriate light levels for a space, including luminance and illuminance.
Energy efficiency: Strategies for designing task lighting that is energy efficient, such as using LED fixtures and maximizing daylight.
Sustainable lighting: Strategies for designing lighting that is environmentally friendly, such as using materials that are recyclable and choosing fixtures with low VOC emissions.
Lighting for specific tasks: Understanding how task lighting can be customized for specific tasks such as reading, cooking, or working on a computer.
Lighting for accessibility: Designing lighting that accommodates those with visual impairments or mobility challenges.
Lighting for outdoor spaces: Understanding how to design task lighting for outdoor spaces, such as porches, patios, and decks.
Desk lamps: These are lamps that are specifically designed to light up a desk or a specific work area. They come in a variety of styles and colors, and provide directional lighting.
Floor lamps: Floor lamps are a type of task lighting that stand on the floor and can be easily moved around. They often provide ambient lighting in addition to the task lighting they provide.
Pendant lighting: Pendant lighting is a type of lighting that hangs from the ceiling, often over a counter or kitchen island. They provide direct lighting and can contribute to the overall design of the space.
Under-cabinet lighting: Under-cabinet lighting is a type of task lighting that is installed under kitchen cabinets or on the underside of shelves. They provide direct lighting on the surface below.
Track lighting: Track lighting is a type of lighting that consists of a track with several light fixtures that can be adjusted along the track to provide directional lighting.
Strip lighting: Strip lighting is a type of lighting that is typically used in commercial applications, such as retail stores or offices. It consists of a strip of LED lights that can be installed in a variety of ways to provide directional lighting.
Picture lighting: Picture lighting is a type of task lighting that is used to highlight artwork or a specific feature in a space. They often provide directional lighting from above or below.
Swing arm lamps: Swing arm lamps are a type of task lighting that are mounted on the wall and have an adjustable arm that can be moved to direct light where it is needed.
Table lamps: Table lamps are a type of task lighting that are designed to sit on a table or a desk. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and can provide directional or diffused lighting.
Bookshelf lighting: Bookshelf lighting is a type of task lighting that is used to highlight books or other items on a bookshelf. They often provide directional lighting from above or below.
"The three main approaches are: Localized average lighting, freely adjustable task light, and asymmetric task light."
"General lighting can be reduced because task lighting provides focused light where needed."
"Other instances of task lighting are in machinery, workshops, examination and operation lights for medicine and surgery, as well as the dentist's lamp."
"Task lamps are also used for many home tasks such as sewing, reading, small repairs, model construction, crafts, writing, and many other activities."
"Freely adjustable task light such as a gooseneck, balanced-arm lamp, or swing-arm light."
"A poorly positioned light source may cause contrast reduction, resulting in loss of visibility."
"Contrast is also important."
"Task lighting refers to increasing illuminance to better accomplish a specific activity."
"For example, under-shelf luminaires can be used for task lighting."
"Lighting of larger areas is beyond the scope of task lighting."
"A lamp supplies both ambient light and task light."
"A specific work area needs illumination in machinery settings."
"A task light may illuminate the actual working area in workshops."
"A gooseneck, balanced-arm lamp, or swing-arm light allows for freely adjustable task lighting."
"The actual task may range from very small up to about as far as you may reach with your hands or available tools."
"Contrast is also important [in task lighting]."
"No, the illuminance level is not the only factor governing visibility."
"Task lamps are also used for...reading, writing, and many other activities."
"Examination and operation lights for medicine and surgery [are instances of task lighting]."