Week 9 

Electrical Systems & Lighting

    In this weeks reading we learn about electrical systems and the many different elements that must be considered when implementing lighting into our structures. we first learn about the forms in which we get this electricity; like alternating current (AC) which is ideal for long distance transfer of electricity; typically electricity within powerlines. Then we also have direct current (DC) which can typically be thought of as stored electricity; like from battery storage units or cellphone batteries. This is ideal for short distances 

    This electricity has to be put to work in some way, so we can utilize ohms law to calculate what is the required power we would use for specific items. Items can range from a phone charger, TV or a washing machine. All those examples require specific levels of Wattage, Voltage and amperage. This is important to us as designers because we must plan for what the purpose of the room is going to be and how we will organize the wiring to fulfill those requirements. Some ways this can be achieved is through the use of fixed power supplies, branch raceways, access floors, etc. 

Another factor we must keep in mind is the impact the lighting we choose has on our buildings sustainability. We should stive towards finding the most optimal way to provide lighting with as little electrical usage as possible. For example, there are sensor lights that we could use that only turn on once the fixture senses someone walk past, and they stay off during the day. This means that throughout the day there is no light that is using electricity. The selection of lamp we choose is also important in this case because some are more efficient than others like in the case of light emitting diodes (LED's). In order to determine how powerful a light source should be we must be able to utilize the lumen method calculation. This determines how much lighting is required for a specific space and the amount of fixtures we need to achieve that requirement.

Rendering Assignment:

This weeks assignment has given me a deeper understanding of the impacts of lighting. Proper lighting can change the experience someone can have within a space; but this assignment really helps us see the shadows the lighting can create also. I found it interesting how much shading became noticeable inside the bulb itself and the sharp contrast it creates with the background. It also gives an interesting example of how light reflects off of glass; creating distorted shapes.