lichtonderschepping

Lichtonderschepping is a Dutch term that describes the partial occlusion of light, resulting in regions of reduced illumination or shadow. The exact meaning varies by discipline, but the core idea is that light is not fully reaching a surface due to obstruction, transmission effects, or selective filtering.

In optics and lighting design, lichtonderschepping refers to how objects, screens, or architectural elements block or shape light from a source, creating shaded zones or patterns. Factors such as the geometry of the light source, distance to the surface, incidence angle, and the surface properties determine the extent and appearance of the undershading. Understanding this phenomenon is important for glare control, luminance distribution, and energy-efficient lighting planning.

In visual arts and photography, the concept pertains to the deliberate control and depiction of light and shadow to model form, depth, and mood. Artists and photographers exploit tonal contrasts to create emphasize or subtle shifts in lichtonderschepping, using lighting setups and exposure choices to achieve desired effects.

In architecture and urban planning, lichtonderschepping is used in daylight studies to map how buildings, vegetation, and terrain block sunlight at different times of day and year. Such analyses inform building orientation, shading devices, and strategies to optimize daylighting and thermal comfort.

The term is not universally standardized, and its precise interpretation depends on the field. Related concepts include shadow, shading, occlusion, and light transmission.