10-8 I S LIGHTING HANDBOOK

which resist the collection of dust and dirt and are easily cleaned. Also
there are styles that are open at both top and bottom so that only the
upper surface of the lamps remains to collect dust and dirt. The reflec-
tance of the ceiling shouM be maintained as high as practicable when semi-
indirect or indirect luminaires are utilized.
Indirect tig! ting is the type wherein the output of a luminaire is diffused
and redistributed by a large intermediate surface (usually a ceiling).
Indirect lighting is less efficient than most direct lighting because of the
absorption of this redistributing surface, but it is a common means of
getting very uniform levels of illumination. (See Fig. 10 5.) The
permissible brightness of the intermediate surface and relatively low
efficiency achievable limit its use. Ninety to 100 per cent of the light from
indirect luminaires is first directed to the ceiling and upper wall areas, from
which it is reflected diffusely to all parts of the room. Usually only enough
light is emitted below the horizontal to raise the luminaire brightness to
match that of the ceiling.
One measure of the quality of lighting which a given source will produce
is the angle subtended by the source at the point of work. With three-
dimensional work tasks, particularly of a specular or semispecular nature,
this factor is particularly important. The most common large-area source
is an indirect-lighting system. In effect, the entire ceiling and upper wall
areas become a light source. If the brightness is uniform and approxi-
mately equal to that of the luminaires, with such a large area serving as a
source of light, little direct glare is experienced at illumination levels up to
about 50 footcandles. Shadows are practically eliminated and reflected
glare reduced. As with semi-indirect luminaires, ceiling reflectance must
be maintained high because at best this type of system is likely to be the
least efficient. Specular and semi-mat-finished configurated ceilings have
been developed for use with indirect-type luminaires to present reduced
brightness at normal viewing angles. For many locations where indirect
lighting is impractical there are available special luminaire types which
produce somewhat the same effect. They consist of large luminous areas
placed relatively close to the visual task, as in Fig. 10-6. The angle
subtended by the luminaire is of the same order of magnitude as that
subtended by an indirectly lighted ceiling.
LIGHT AND ARCHITECTURE
The typical luminaire may not be considered an architectural element
by most illuminating engineers, but, regardless of terminology, lighting is
so integrated with a building's use and appearance that it always should
be given consideration in all stages of architectural design and decoration
development Active co-operation betAveen architect and engineer is
insurance against practical difficulties.
*"
Lighting can become the basic
decorative or appearance motif, as well as a necessary working tool and an
aid to comfort and safety in any interiorr*"
Such structures as churches, theaters, and public buildings, usually can