Factorslighting

Factorslighting is an integrative approach to lighting design that foregrounds the interaction of multiple influencing factors. Decisions about luminaires, layout, control systems, and daylight integration are guided by human perception, visual comfort, energy use, environmental impact, and maintenance considerations. While not tied to a single organization, factorslighting is used by architects, designers, and engineers to ensure lighting solutions respond to context and long-term needs.

The scope covers indoor and outdoor spaces, including offices, retail, healthcare, education, and performance venues, as well as stage and film settings. Core factors include visual requirements (illuminance, glare, color rendering, color temperature), daylight availability, energy use (efficacy and controls), safety and accessibility (uniformity and emergency lighting), and lifecycle costs.

Practice involves photometric planning, daylight simulations, and energy modeling, plus luminaire selection, control strategies, and layout for uniform illumination. Metrics used with factorslighting include illuminance (lux), luminance, color temperature (CCT), color rendering (CRI), efficacy, and glare indices. Tools such as daylight analysis and building information modeling support the process.

Technologies common to factorslighting include LED luminaires, tunable white and color-changing light, dimming and occupancy or daylight sensors, smart controls, and daylight harvesting. Challenges include balancing aesthetics with efficiency, maintaining color quality, managing maintenance, and meeting evolving codes and standards.

See also related topics include lighting design, photometry, and building performance assessment.