Apvietimo

Apvietimo is the genitive form in Lithuanian related to apšvietimas, meaning lighting or illumination. The field covers the plan, provision, and management of light in indoor and outdoor spaces to support visibility, safety, efficiency, and visual comfort. It encompasses natural daylight as well as artificial light sources and the systems that control them, from simple fixtures to complex smart lighting networks.

Linguistically, apšvietimas comes from the verb apšviesti, “to illuminate,” with the -imas suffix forming a noun that describes the state or process of illumination. In practice, apvietimo refers to the overall discipline and activities associated with producing and regulating light in environments for practical and aesthetic purposes.

Types and components of apvietimas include general, task, and accent lighting; daylighting strategies that minimize artificial use during daytime; and outdoor illumination for streets, parks, and monuments. Key components are light sources (such as LED, fluorescent, and incandescent technologies), luminaires, controls (dimmers, sensors, and automation), and supporting design elements like glare control, color rendering, and uniformity.

Measurements and standards play a central role. Common metrics include luminous flux (lumens), illuminance (lux), luminance (candelas per square meter), color temperature (kelvin), and color rendering index. International and regional standards—such as those governing workplace lighting, energy efficiency, and safety—guide design and performance, with increasing emphasis on energy minimization, daylight integration, and circadian-friendly lighting.

Applications span architecture, interior design, urban planning, workplaces, retail, and public spaces. Historically, apvietimo evolved from daylight exploitation and conventional gas or filament lighting to modern, energy-efficient solutions, with current trends prioritizing sustainability, smart controls, and human-centered lighting approaches.