Erco Guide 4 Outdoor Lighting en

E Guide
Outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting concepts can

form a continuous whole with
the indoor lighting designs. Lumi-
naires built to high protection
mode form the basis for adding
dramatic lighting to architecture,
cityscapes and vegetation by
Types of lighting Luminaire groups Lighting applications night.
Design examples Lighting design
Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 185

E Guide
Outdoor lighting
Types of lighting
The effect of rooms, facades,

objects and vegetation greatly
depends on the type of lighting.
This ranges from general lighting
through to specific highlighting.
Washlighting forms the back-
ground for accent lighting for
General lighting Accentuation Washlighting emphasising objects. In terms of
orientation lighting, points of
light or rows of lights are used
to provide orientation in the
outdoor area.
Wallwashing Orientation lighting

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Types of lighting
General lighting
Ambient lighting produced by

wide beam light distribution
facilitates perception and orien-
tation in the horizontal plane. It
contributes to recognising path-
ways and to save circulation.
direct, aimed direct, diffuse

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Types of lighting | General lighting
direct, aimed
Observation Direct and aimed general lighting

produces an even illumination
on the horizontal working plane.
The architecture is visible and it
is possible to orientate oneself in
the room.
Conclusion The directed light produces good

modelling and brilliance. The
uniformity on the working plane
increases as the mounting height
increases or as the beam angle
widens. Directed light enables
good appreciation of form and
surface texture. The visual com-
fort increases as the cut-off angle
increases. A feature of direct illu-
mination is its highly efficient
use of energy.
Applications Downlights cater for an even light

distribution on the horizontal
plane. They have an inconspicuous
design and can be integrated well
into the architecture.
Direct, directed general lighting
for:
- entrance areas
- arcades
- passages
- atria
Preferred luminaire group
- downlights
Projects:
Repsol petrol station, Spain
Congress Palace, Valencia
Federal Chancellery, Berlin
Coal washery, Zollverein colliery,
Essen

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Types of lighting | General lighting
direct, diffuse
Observation Direct, diffuse general lighting

designates an even illumination
with respect to a horizontal work-
ing plane. The architecture is vis-
ible and it is possible to orientate
oneself in the room.
Conclusion Direct, diffuse light produces

a soft illumination with little
shadow and reflection. The lim-
ited formation of shadow results
in weak modelling capabilities.
Shapes and surface textures are
only slightly emphasised. One
feature of using fluorescent
lamps for the general lighting
is an efficient use of energy.
Applications Direct, diffuse general lighting for

- entrance areas
- overhanging or cantilevered
roofs
- floor lighting on access drive-
ways, paths and public squares
Preferred luminaire groups
- downlights
- wall-mounted downlights
Projects:
Private residence, Ravensburg
Bodegas Vega Sicilia Wine Cellar,
Valladolid

E Guide
Washlighting
Observation Washlighting illuminates larger

objects or spatial zones using
wide beam light distribution. In
contrast to accent light, it con-
veys a wide impression. Wash-
lighting enables safe movement
on pathways and effectively
highlights large objects and
areas.
Conclusion The directed light produces good

modelling abilities and enables
good appreciation of form and
surface structure. Washlighting
illumination can serve as a back-
ground for accent lighting.
Applications Washlighting illumination for:

- wall lighting
- facades
- entrance areas
- cantilever roofs
- trees
- park and garden complexes
- sculptures
- objects
Preferred luminaire group
- floodlights
Projects:
Private residence, Southern
Highlands, Australia
ERCO Lightpark, Lüdenscheid
Church, Rörvik
Monastery ruins, Paulinzella

E Guide
Wallwashing
Vertical illuminance defines and

structures spatial situations. It
makes a significant contribution
to the impression of brightness
in a space and to a feeling of
security.
Uniform wallwashing Uniform vertical illuminance

defines the spatial environment.
A uniform brightness distribu-
tion from upper edge to floor
emphasises walls and façades
as a whole. This type of lighting
with highly uniform wallwashing
is ideal for the illumination of
façades, open places, entrances
and hedges to facilitate orienta-
tion and structure outdoor areas.
Wallwashing with focal Wallwashing with focal emphasis

emphasis complements the uniform wall-
washing by adding a highlight in
the lower third of the illuminated
wall. This type of lighting is ideal
to emphasise the lower section of
the façade.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Types of lighting | Washlighting
asymmetrical
Grazing light wallwashing Grazing light emphasises the

material and surface texture of
walls and façades. Positioning the
luminaire close to the wall pro-
duces a graduation of brightness
on the vertical axis. Grazing light
impressively brings out the tex-
ture of natural stone or wood.
Applications Washlighting illumination for

- facades
- entrance areas
- passages
- atria
- cantilever roofs
- floodlights
- washlights
- wallwashers
- recessed floor luminaires
Projects:
Regional government of Lower
Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein
in Berlin
Kaufhof media facade, Hamburg
Museo del Teatro de Caesar
augusta, Zaragoza
Porches de la Boquería, Barcelona

E Guide
Accentuation
Observation Accent light emphasises vegeta-

tion, individual objects or archi-
tectural elements using narrow
beams of light. Bright points in
dark surroundings attract atten-
tion. They separate the important
from the unimportant, allowing
individual objects to come to the
fore.
Projectors
Directional downlights
Conclusion Accent lighting enables good
appreciation of form and surface
structure. The focused light pro-
duces pronounced shadows and
good modelling ability, as well as
brilliance. A narrow beam and a
high brightness contrast to the
surroundings give the object par-
ticular emphasis.

E Guide
Accentuation
Applications Accent lighting creates points of

interest. Structures and textures
of objects are clearly emphasised
by the directed light.
Accent lighting for:
- facades
- entrance areas
- arcades
- objects
- projectors
- directional downlights
Projects:
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple,
Singapore
Tommy Hilfiger, Düsseldorf

E Guide
Orientation lighting
Observation Orientation lighting improves the

perception by adding light points
and lines, e.g. along pathways and
on stairs. The light must function
as a signal. Illuminating the sur-
roundings is of secondary impor-
tance here.
Floor washlights
Wall-mounted downlights
Recessed floor luminaires

E Guide
Orientation lighting
Orientation luminaires
Conclusion Low illumination levels are suf-

ficient for orientation purposes.
Small luminaires with high lumi-
nance clearly set themselves
apart form their surroundings.
Applications Orientation lighting for the

identification of
- architectural lines
- steps and exclusion zones
- entrances
- routes
- emergency exit routes
- floor washlights
- wall-mounted downlights
- orientation luminaires
Projects:
Sevens department store,
Düsseldorf
Hilton Hotel, Dubai
Czartoryski Square, Krakow
Private residence, Palamos

E Guide
Outdoor lighting
Luminaire groups
Luminaires are available in a wide

variety of types, each intended to
fulfil different lighting require-
ments. For external applications it
is primarily permanently mounted
luminaires that are used.
Projectors Floodlights Wallwasher
Façade luminaires Bollard luminaires Recessed luminaires
Surface-mounted Recessed floor Orientation

luminaires luminaires luminaires

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Luminaire groups
Projectors
Light Projectors illuminate a narrowly - emission angle determines the

constrained area. The type of beam of light and is defined by
mounting and the orientation are the reflector and the lamp
variable. Projectors are offered - cut-off angle limits glare and
with different beam emission increases visual comfort
angles and light distributions. - rotatable and tiltable
Criteria for projectors
- choice of lamp determines light
colour, brilliance, functional life,
light intensity
Projectors have narrow-beam

light distribution with a rotation-
ally symmetrical beam.
The use of accessories is also
typical for projectors:
- lenses: spread lenses or sculp-
ture lenses
- filter: colour filter, UV or IR
filter
- glare control: anti-dazzle screen
Applications Accent lighting for:

- façades
- entrance areas
- arcades
- objects
Projects:
Norwegian Aviation Museum,
Bodo
ERCO, Lüdenscheid

E Guide
Floodlights
Light Floodlights have a wide-beam - gradient: soft edge to the beam

characteristic. They are offered of light
with a axially symmetrical or - light output ratio is increased by
asymmetrical light distribution. optimised reflector technology
Criteria for floodlights
colour, functional life, efficiency,
light intensity
- uniformity: optimised reflector
for even illumination of areas
Floodlights
Floodlights with axially symmetri-
cal light distribution provide even
illumination of objects or areas.
Light distribution with focal
emphasis.
Applications Washlighting provides an even

illumination for:
- wall lighting
- façades
- entrance areas
roofs
- sculptures
- objects
Surface-mounted luminaires
act as features themselves. Their
arrangement should match their
surroundings.
Projects:
Private residence, Southern
Highlands, Australia
Centenary Hall, Bochum
Sri Senpaga Vinyagar Temple,
Singapore

E Guide
Wallwasher
Light Wallwashers have a wide-beam - light output ratio is increased by

characteristic. They are offered optimised reflector technology
with an asymmetric light distri-
bution.
Criteria for wallwashers:
light intensity
- gradient: soft edges to the beam
of light
Wallwashers
Recessed-mounted wallwashers
with asymmetric light distribu-
tion provide an even illumination
of areas.
Wallwasher, tiltable
Recessed-mounted wallwashers
with asymmetric light distribu-
tion provide an even illumina-
tion of areas. Surface-mounted
downlights can be mounted on
walls, ceilings or floors and in
addition can also be tilted.
Applications Wallwashing is an important

component of architectural
lighting for adding emphasis to
façades. Further applications are:
- entrance areas
- passages
- atria
roofs
As recessed luminaires, wall
washers are inconspicuous archi-
tectural details. Surface-mounted
downlights act as a room feature.
They should correspond to the
architecture in their arrangement
and form.
Projects:
Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein,
Berlin
Kaufhof Media Facade, Hamburg
ERCO P1, Lüdenscheid
Concentration Camp memorial,
Belzec

E Guide
Façade luminaires
Light Ceiling and wall-mounted - cut-off angle increases visual

downlights are defined first comfort and limits glare and light
and foremost by their type of pollution
mounting and not by their light
characteristics. They are available
with narrow-beam, wide-beam,
symmetrical or asymmetric light
distribution. Some luminaires
can be positioned either on the
wall or on the ceiling.
Criteria for ceiling and wall-
mounted downlights
light intensity
Façade luminaires
Façade luminaires are offered
with narrow-beam, wide-beam,
symmetrical or asymmetric light
distribution. The light can be dis-
tributed either via a single-sided
or double-sided light aperture.
Wall-mounted downlights
Wall-mounted downlights, with
their diffuse beam in the room,
provide good visual comfort.
They can also be mounted on
the ceiling.
Wall-mounted downlights,
shielded
Wall-mounted downlights with
half-shielded face offer good
visual comfort and illuminate
the floor area in particular.

E Guide
Façade luminaires
Applications For illumination of:

- façades
- entrance areas
roofs
The position and design of the
ceiling and wall-mounted down-
lights should be chosen to match
the with the architecture. Façade
luminaires should be arranged
such that the elements to be illu-
minated are optimally lit and no
light shines past the objects.
Projects:
Zara, Munich
Cultural Centre and Coastal
Museum NORVEG, Rörvik

E Guide
Bollard luminaires
Light Bollard luminaires have a wide- optimised reflector technology

beam characteristic. They are
offered with an asymmetric light
distribution.
Criteria for luminaires for open
area and pathway lighting
light intensity
- gradient:
soft edges to beam of light
- cut-off angle increases visual
comfort and limits glare and light
pollution
- light output ratio is increased by
Luminaires for pathway

lighting
Pathway lighting luminaires with
asymmetric light distribution
provide uniform illumination on
pathways. The light is spread in
its width so that pathways can
be evenly illuminated. Their small
shape makes these luminaires
suitable for lighting steps.
Luminaires for open area

lighting
Light for illuminating open spaces
is generated by an asymmetric
reflector-flood system. A sculp-
ture lens acting as safety glass
directs the light deep into the
outdoor area.
Facade washlights
Floor washlights with asymmetric
light distribution provide an even
illumination of buildings.

E Guide
Bollard luminaires
Applications Bollard luminaires are mainly

used for illuminating the follow-
ing:
- façades
- entrance areas
- arcades
- passages
- orientation lighting on path-
ways, drives, entrances and steps
As recessed luminaires, these
are inconspicuous architectural
details. Free-standing luminaires
act as features in the room. Their
arrangement should correspond
to the surroundings.
Projects:
Panticosa resort, Panticosa
Private residence, Berlin
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Art hall, Emden

E Guide
Recessed luminaires
Light Recessed luminaires emit a beam Criteria for recessed luminaires

that is directed downwards at - choice of lamp determines light
either a perfectly vertical or an colour, functional life, efficiency,
adjustable angle. They are usually light intensity
mounted on the ceiling and illu- - emission angle determines the
minate the floor or walls. They are beam of light and is defined by
offered with narrow-beam, wide- the reflector and the lamp
beam, symmetrical or asymmetri- - cut-off angle limits glare and
cal light distribution. The cut-off increases visual comfort
angle of narrow-beam downlights - light output ratio is increased by
means they are largely free of optimised reflector technology
glare. On downlights with Dark-
light reflector, the lamp's cut-off
angle is identical to that of the
luminaire. This gives a luminaire
with the widest beam possible
while simultaneously having
an optimised light output ratio.
The use of a diffuser reduces the
luminance in the luminaire and
thereby improves the visual com-
fort and the evenness.
Downlights
Downlights have a rotationally
symmetric beam that is directed
vertically downwards.
Wallwashers
Wallwashers have an asym-
metrical light distribution that is
directed onto vertical surfaces.
They provide even illumination
for wall or façade surfaces.
Special lens systems for lens
wallwashers ensure even wall
illumination. The light is spread
out by the lens and directed onto
the wall by wallwasher reflectors.
The Darklight reflectors of lens
wallwashers are visible from
below and are glare-free.
Directional luminaires
Directional luminaires provide
highlighting for individual areas
or objects with a medium to
narrow light distribution.

E Guide
Recessed luminaires
Arrangement The offset from wall should

measure approximately half of
the luminaire spacing in order to
achieve sufficient brightness on
the wall and well proportioned
scallops of light. To attain an even
illumination on a reference plane,
the luminaire spacing should not
exceed the mounting height h
by more than 1.5:1. An optimal
evenness is achieved when a=h.
Applications Downlights provide general light-

ing for
- entrance areas
- arcades
- passages
- atria
Recessed downlights are incon-
spicuous architectural details,
whereas surface-mounted down-
lights and pendant luminaires
act as room features. They should
correspond to the architecture in
their arrangement and design.
Projects:
Repsol petrol station, Spain
Congress Palace, Valencia
Federal Chancellery, Berlin
Intercontinental Resort,
Berchtesgaden

E Guide
Surface-mounted luminaires
Light Surface-mounted luminaires emit Criteria for surface-mounted

a beam that is directed down- luminaires
wards or to the side. They are - choice of lamp determines light
usually mounted on the ceiling colour, functional life, efficiency,
and illuminate the floor or walls. light intensity
Surface-mounted luminaires are - emission angle determines the
offered with narrow-beam, wide- beam of light and is defined by
beam, symmetrical or asymmetri- the reflector
cal light distribution. The cut-off - cut-off angle limits glare and
angle of narrow-beam downlights increases visual comfort
means they are largely free of - light output ratio is increased by
glare. On downlights with Dark- optimised reflector technology
light reflector, the lamp's cut-off
angle is identical to that of the
luminaire. This gives a luminaire
with the widest beam possible
while simultaneously having
an optimised light output ratio.
The use of a diffuser reduces the
luminance in the luminaire and
thereby improves the visual com-
fort and the evenness.
Downlights
Downlights have a rotationally
symmetrical beam that is directed
vertically downwards.
Wallwashers
Surface-mounted wallwashers
with asymmetrical light distribu-
tion provide an even illumination
of areas.
Directional downlights
Directional downlights provide
or objects with a medium to nar-
row light distribution.

E Guide
Light Recessed floor luminaires emit - light output ratio is increased by

their beam upwards. They are optimised reflector technology
offered with narrow-beamed,
wide-beamed, symmetric or
asymmetric light distribution.
Criteria for recessed floor lumi-
naires:
light intensity
- uniformity with wallwashers:
optimised reflector for even illu-
mination of areas
- range of tilt for directional
luminaires with high glare pro-
tection
Uplights
Uplights feature an upwards
directed beam with symmetrical
light distribution. The narrow,
rotationally symmetrical beam
is used for highlighting objects.
Lens wallwashers
Lens wallwashers feature an
upwards directed beam with
asymmetrical light distribution.
They provide an even illumina-
tion of walls.
Directional uplights
Directional luminaires provide
or objects with a medium to nar-
row light distribution. The beam
can be titled.
Uplight, diffuse
Recessed floor luminaires with
diffuse light intensity distribution
are used for marking paths or
emphasising architectural lines.

E Guide
Applications Accent lighting or floodlighting

for
- facades
- entrance areas
- arcades
- passages
- atria
roofs
Recessed floor luminaires are
inconspicuous architectural
details. They should correspond
to the architecture in their
arrangement and form.
Projects:
Glass pavilion, Glass technical
college, Rheinbach
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Khalil Al-Sayegh, Dubai
Benrath Castle, Düsseldorf

E Guide
Light Orientation luminaires are

defined first and foremost by
the task of providing orientation.
This can be achieved by lumi-
naires that function as sources
of illumination or as signals.
Criteria for orientation luminaires
- luminance: noticability of the
luminaires in their surroundings
Orientation luminaires with
point-form front lens act as
a local orientation light.
Floor washlights
Floor washlights form points of
light on the wall and serves as
an orientation light on the floor
surface.

E Guide
Applications For identifying:

- architectural lines
- steps or restricted areas
- entrances
- routes
- emergency exit routes
Projects:
Sevens department store,
Düsseldorf
Hilton Hotel, Dubai
Czartoryski Square, Krakow

E Guide
Outdoor lighting
Lighting applications
Illuminating facades by night

changes the atmosphere of a
city. In urban areas or civic parks,
points of interest can be created
to enable orientation and to
establish spatial reference points.
Light in the outdoors also extends
Wall Ceiling Floor one‘s perception when looking
outside from with a building.
Object Facade Vegetation

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting applications
Wall
Wall and facade lighting at night

extends one‘s perception and
defines spatial limits. Vertical
illumination is significant in the
visual surroundings for identify-
ing areas in terms of their form,
regardless of whether they are
Wall, 3m Wall, 5m Wall with texture facades or walls covered with
climbing plants. The objective
may be to obtain a uniform
wallwashing comparable to that
in the indoor area, or to gently
illuminate a building against
the nocturnal environment. The
arrangement of the luminaires
is dependent on the desired
uniformity and illuminance. In
the outdoor area at night, a low
brightness is often sufficient for
making objects visible and for
making contrasts.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting applications | Wall
Wall, 3m
Observation Wallwashers are noted for giving

an even progression of brightness
on the wall.
Wallwashers, plan view
Wallwasher, underside
Recessed-mounted washlight
Conclusion Vertical illumination emphasises

the surfaces delineating the room
in terms of their physical makeup.
The room is made to look bigger
by brightening the wall faces.
Point-form light sources make
the wall surface much more vivid.
Wallwashing only achieves a uni-
form brightness on matt surfaces.
Lighting criteria for walls:
- uniformity of the lighting
- the choice of lamp determines
the light colour and colour rendi-
tion

E Guide
Wall, 3m
Arrangement The offset from the wall should

be at least one third of the wall
height. Alternatively, the light‘s
angle of incident should be 20°
to the vertical. An optimum
evenness is obtained when the
luminaire spacing is the same as
the offset from the wall, or at
least does not exceed it by more
than 1.5 times. Wallwashers only
develop their optimal evenness
as of a minimum number of three
luminaires.

vertical surfaces of:
- wall lighting
- facades
- entrance areas
- wallwashers
Projects:
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Benrath Castle, Düsseldorf
Berliner Tor Center, Hamburg
Concentration Camp memorial,
Belzec

E Guide
Wall, 5m
Observation Given the same lighting, as washers have special lens reflec-
the wall height increases the tor systems.
brightness of the wall decreases.
Wallwashers are characterised by
the even progression of bright
ness along the wall. Lens wall-
Wallwashers
Lens wallwashers
Conclusion Vertical illumination emphasises

the wall faces in terms of their
physical makeup. The room is
made to look bigger by brighten-
ing its walls and ceiling. Directed
light makes the wall surface much
more vivid. As the wall height
increases the distance of the
luminaire to the wall must be
increased. The reduction of the
mean illuminance on the wall
can be compensated for by hav-
ing a higher lamp power and by
increasing the number of lumi-
naires.
Lighting criteria for high walls:
- uniformity of lighting
- the choice of lamp determines
the light colour and colour rendi-
tion

E Guide
Wall, 5m
Arrangement Whereas for normal wall heights

the luminaire spacing is the same
as the offset from the wall, for
higher walls it must be reduced
to compensate for the otherwise
sinking illuminance. The offset
from the wall is given where a 20°
line projected down from the top
of the wall meets the ground.

vertical surfaces of:
- wall lighting
- facades
- entrance areas
- wallwashers
- lens wallwashers
Projects:
Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein
in Berlin
Georg Schäfer Museum,
Schweinfurt
Sacred Heart church, Munich

E Guide
Wall with texture
Observation Point-form light sources at a on walls can emphasise any sur-

short offset from the wall pro- face irregularities.
duce their own light pattern that,
admittedly, does accentuate the
texture, but does not permit an
even wallwashing. Grazing light
Downlights
Wallwashers
Lens wallwashers
Conclusion Directed grazing light makes

surface textures clearly visible.

E Guide
Wall with texture
Applications The smaller the offset from the

wall, the clearer the surface
texture is enhanced. When using
grazing light, the evenness of
the wall illumination is greatly
reduced.
- downlights, narrow-beamed
- wallwasher
(uplights, lens wallwashers,
directional luminaires)
Projects:
Rohrmeisterei restaurant,
Schwerte
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
Private residence, Germany
Museu Etnològic, Barcelona

E Guide
Ceiling
With ceiling illumination, either

light is shone to illuminate the
ceiling in its own right or the ceil-
ing is merely used as a reflector
for general lighting. The ceiling
is primarily emphasised, when it
has an intrinsic communicative
Ceiling, plan Structural elements value, e.g. due to architectonic
structures.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting applications | Ceiling
Ceiling, plan
Observation The luminaires for washlighting

the ceiling can be mounted on
the walls or in the ground.
Uplights
Conclusion Selecting the luminaire type is

dependent on the room and its
use. For ceiling washlights, a min-
imum distance to the ceiling is
required. To avoid glare, recessed
floor spotlights for illuminating
ceilings should not be installed
in heavily trafficked areas.
Arrangement The prerequisite for ceiling illumi-

nation is a sufficiently high room
in order to achieve an even dis-
tribution of light. Ceiling wash-
lights should be mounted above
eye-level. The distance from the
ceiling depends on the level of
evenness required and should be
at least 0.8m.

E Guide
Ceiling, plan
Applications Washlighting ceiling illumina-

tion for
- entrance areas
- arcades
- passages
- atria
roofs
- ceiling washlights
- recessed floor spotlights
Projects:
Stansted Airport, London
Glass pavilion, Glass technical
college, Rheinbach
Jahrhunderthalle, Bochum
Cosmo petrol station, Tokyo

E Guide
Structural elements
Observation Luminaires for lighting support

structures can be mounted on
the structure itself, on the walls
or in the floor. A washlighting
illumination adds emphasis to the
whole ceiling surface. Narrow-
beamed luminaires accentuate
the support structure in particu-
lar.
Spotlights
Floodlights
Recessed floor luminaires,

directional luminaires

E Guide
Structural elements
Recessed floor luminaires,

uplights
Conclusion The selection of the type of lumi-

naire is dependent on the scale
and the proportion of the support
structure. Spotlights can also be
attached directly to components
of the support structure. The
complete support structure can
be illuminated with floodlights.
To avoid glare, recessed floor
spotlights for lighting the support
structure should not be installed
in heavily trafficked areas. The
arrangement of the luminaires
should be oriented around the
design of the support structure.
Applications Ceiling lighting for:

- entrance areas
- arcades
- passages
- atria
roofs
- spotlights
- ceiling washlights
Projects:
Post-Tower, Bonn
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias,
Valencia
Jahrhunderthalle, Bochum
Museo del Teatro de Caesar
augusta, Zaragoza

E Guide
Floor
Observation When floor lighting, the floor

surface can be illuminated with
direct light from downlights or
from floodlights positioned on
the sides. Floor washlights partic-
ularly emphasise the floor surface
and its physical make-up.
Pathway luminaires
Luminaires for open-area lighting
Downlights
Downlights, narrow-beamed

E Guide
Floor
Floor washlights
Conclusion Due to their asymmetric light dis-

tribution, floor washlights provide
grazing light illumination of the
floor. They ensure a high degree
of visual comfort thanks to their
low mounting height. A soft beam
gradient reduces the contrast
with the surroundings. The elimi-
nation of glare from downlights is
determined by the cut-off angle.
Applications Floor washlighting for:

- driveways
- pathways
- public squares
Preferred luminaire groups:
- downlights
- floor washlights
- bollard luminaires
- mast luminaires
Projects:
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Eberbach monastery, Eltville
Private residence, Berlin

E Guide
Object
Objects can be accentuated with

great effect to turn them into real
eye-catchers. The appearance of
objects can be made to look unu-
sual by selecting a strong grazing
light. The opposite of such dra-
matic lighting is a uniform, large
Object, free-standing Objects on the wall area lighting solution.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting applications | Object
Object, free-standing
Observation Objects in the room or area can below produces an interesting but
be illuminated with spotlights or mysterious effect since the light
floodlights. When illuminating an is coming from an angle which is
object head-on with one spot- unusual for the observer.
light in the direction of vision,
the modelling effect is weak.
Two spotlights, with sculpture
accessories, shining from differ-
ent directions create a balanced,
three-dimensional effect. The
brightness contrasts are milder
compared to when using just
one spotlight. Illuminating from
Spotlights
Floodlights
Directional uplights

E Guide
Object, free-standing
Conclusion Narrow-beam spotlights place

emphasis on the object alone,
whereas floodlights show the
object in the context of its sur-
roundings. This reduces the
modelling effect. Lighting from
below can have the effect of
making things look very strange.
Arrangement Objects in the room can be illumi-

nated with an angle of incidence
of 30° to 45° to the vertical. The
steeper the incident light, the
stronger the shadows.
Applications Accent lighting for

- sculptures
- spotlight
- floodlights
Projects:
Norwegian Aviation Museum,
Bodo
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Rhenish State Museum, Bonn
Let The Dance Begin, Strabane

E Guide
Objects on the wall
Observation Objects on the wall can be illumi floodlights accentuate the object
nated with spotlights or flood- less than spotlights.
lights. Spotlights highlight the
object and create a decorative
effect. Due to their even illumina-
tion of the complete wall surface,
Spotlights
Floodlight from above
Floodlight from below
Recessed floor and directional

luminaire
Lens wallwashers

E Guide
Objects on the wall
Conclusion Narrow-beam spotlights accentu-

ate the object while floodlights
show the object in the context of
its surroundings.
Arrangement Objects on the wall can be illumi-

nated with an angle of incidence
of 30° to 45° to the vertical. The
steeper the incident light, the
more three-dimensional the
object appears.
Applications Accent lighting for

- facades
- entrance areas
- sculptures
- spotlight
- wallwashers
- uplights
Projects:
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Washington DC
Sinnet Tennis Club, Warsaw

E Guide
Facade
The form of facades is determined

not only by their material and
shape but also by the light and its
direction and colour. The appear-
ance of a facade alters during
the course of the day due to the
changing direction of light and
Solid facade Facade, vertically Horizontally divided the varying components of dif-
divided facade fuse and direct light. Different
light distributions and the use
of lighting control systems give
facades an appearance of their
own at night. Varying illumi-
nances differentiate components
or areas of a facade. Grazing light
emphasises facade details. Wash-
lighting facades allows them to
appear in their entirety. Shining
any light beyond the facade sur-
faces, either to the sides or over
the top, should be avoided.
Facade with projecting Perforated facade Banded facade
or recessed sections
Transparent facade

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting applications | Facade
Solid facade
Observation Washlighting creates a very uni- the light of up-downlights,

form light distribution on the graphic patterns are produced by
facade. A line of light marks out the definite beams.
the edge of the building against
the night sky. Uplights rhythmi-
cally divide up the facade. Under
Floodlight, below
Line of light, above
Uplights
Facade luminaires downlights
Facade luminaires uplights and

downlights

E Guide
Solid facade
Conclusion Washlighting facades can make of light. Beams of light that do

them appear flat. Reducing the not match or correspond with
illuminance as the facade height the architecture are perceived as
increases gives a low-contrast disturbing.
transition to the dark night sky.
Grazing light emphasises the
surface textures of materials.
Progressions of light on untex-
tured walls become the dominat-
ing feature and are seen as inde-
pendent patterns in their own
right. Large, uniform surfaces can
be given structure with patterns
Arrangement The facade lighting can be posi- luminaires will appear as additive
tioned on the ground, on a mast features in front of the facade.
or on the building. Wallwashers Cantilever arms allow direct
offset from the facade at one mounting to the building. Shining
third to half the facade height any light beyond the facade sur-
avoid long shadows. Luminaires faces, either to the sides or over
positioned close to the facade the top, should be avoided.
produce grazing light with a
strong emphasis on the surface
textures and structures. Recessed
floor luminaires are architectur-
ally discrete. Overgrown vegeta-
tion must be prevented. Mast
Surface-mounted floor luminaires
Upright supporting tube

E Guide
Solid facade
Mast
Cantilever arm
Facade luminaires
Applications
Projects:
Georg Schäfer Museum,
Schweinfurt
Cultural Centre and Coastal
Museum NORVEG, Rörvik

E Guide
Facade, vertically divided
Observation Floodlights produce a uniform ments the vertical facade division

illumination on the facade. by lighting from above and below.
Washlighting with point-shaped
light sources makes the surface
texture and structure clearly vis-
ible. Accentuating the columns
detaches these from the surround
ing facade. Uplights positioned on
two sides emphasise the volume
of the column. Downlights accen-
tuate the column and illuminate
the floor area. The combination
of uplights and downlights aug-
Floodlights
Uplights
Uplights, double-sided layout
Downlights

E Guide
Facade, vertically divided
Downlights and uplights
Conclusion Narrow beams of light intensify

the effect of the vertical divi-
sion. To avoid shadows at the
side, the luminaires should be
positioned at right angles, paral-
lel to the facade. Strong con-
trasts and heavy shadow can be
compensated for by washlighting
the facade as a form of general
lighting. The luminaires should
be positioned in a rhythm corre
sponding to that of the facade
divisions.
Applications
Projects:
Municipal works, Lüdenscheid
Ruhr Festival Theatre Congress
Centre, Recklinghausen
Faena Hotel, Buenos Aires

E Guide
Horizontally divided facade
Observation Floodlights illuminate the entire

facade and emphasise the hori-
zontal divisions by casting heavy
shadows. Lines of light echo the
horizontal structure on the darker
facade surface.
Floodlights
Lines of light
Conclusion Luminaires positioned close to luminaire from the facade. The

the facade highly emphasise steeper angle of incidence for the
its three-dimensional nature. light in the upper region of the
Long heavy shadows cast by facade casts longer shadows than
facade divisions can be reduced in the lower area.
by increasing the offset of the
Applications
Projects:
Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank,
Hong Kong
Palazzo della Borsa, Triest
Kaufhof department store,
Mönchengladbach

E Guide
Facade with projecting or recessed sections
Observation Wide-beam floodlights set far

from the building illuminate the
facade evenly. Facades with large
protruding sections or insets will
feature heavy shadows. Differ-
ent illuminances or light colours
augment the differentiation of
the facade. Uplights mark out
the internal corners with grazing
light.
Floodlights
Spotlights with different

illuminances
Spotlights with different light

colours
Uplights

E Guide
Facade with projecting or recessed sections
Conclusion Differentiated illuminances, light

distributions and light colours
add rhythm to the appearance
of the facade. Harsh contrasts
between accentuated and unlit
areas can be compensated for by
using washlighting to perform
the general lighting. Increasing
the luminaire offset from the
facade reduces the formation
of heavy shadow. The luminaire
arrangement should correspond
to the pattern of facade division.
Applications
Projects:
Museum of Arts and Crafts,
Hamburg
Palacio de la Aljaferia, Zaragoza

E Guide
Perforated facade
Observation Under daylight conditions the

window surfaces appear dark.
At night, illuminated interiors
provide a strong contrast between
the dark facade surface and bright
windows. Floodlights produce uni
form light distribution over the
facade. Illuminating the window
embrasure accentuates the frame
of the facade opening, whereas
narrow-beam uplights emphasise
the facade‘s grid pattern.
Daylight
Downlights, indoor
Floodlights
Lines of light

E Guide
Perforated facade
Uplights
Conclusion Indoor users should not be

dazzled. Luminaires shining into
the interior impair the view out
of the building. Lighting control
systems can be used to control
the light in individual rooms and
to create patches of light on the
facade.
Applications
Projects:
Humboldt-University, Ehrenhof,
Berlin
Pentacon Tower, Dresden
Ernst-August-Carree, Hannover
DZ Bank, Berlin

E Guide
Banded facade
Observation Under daylight conditions the

strip of windows appears dark.
Illuminating the indoor areas at
night forms a strong contrast
between dark facade surfaces and
a bright strip of windows. The
lighting on the balustrades aug-
ments their horizontal structure.
Daylight
Uplights, indoor
Band of light
Conclusion The strong contrast between

bright indoor lighting and the
dark outer surface at night can
only be compensated for to a
small extent with facade wash-
lighting.

E Guide
Banded facade
Applications
Projects:
Municipal works, Lüdenscheid
Astra Administration, Stockholm
E-Werk event halls/SAP SI offices,
Berlin

E Guide
Transparent facade
Observation Under daylight conditions, building structure. Uplights

the transparent facade appears emphasise the vertical elements
dark and reflects its surround- of the facade.
ings. Indoor lighting allows the
observer to see into the building.
Ceiling washlights in the indoor
area emphasise the ceiling sur-
faces and increase the overall
impression of interior brightness
at night. The facade construction
is silhouetted. Lines of light in
the ceiling area of the individual
floors underline the horizontal
Daylight
Downlights, indoor
Uplights, indoor
Lines of light

E Guide
Transparent facade
Uplights, outdoor
Conclusion The visual perspective from the

ground makes the lighting effect
of the indoor area appear larger
with uplights than with down-
lights. Dazzling the users of the
indoor area should be avoided.
Luminaires shining into the
indoor area will impair the view
out of the building.
Applications
Projects:
Office building, Basel
Ruhr Festival Theatre Congress
Centre, Recklinghausen
Zürich Insurance, Buenos Aires
Biblioteca Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao

E Guide
Vegetation
In the field of landscaping, trees

are the most important elements
for forming areas. The shape and
size of the trunk and tree crown
vary depending on the type of
tree. The most well-known tree
forms are rounded, columnar,
Trees Types of trees Clusters of trees spreading and flat-crowned (e.g.
a palm). The winter scene is char-
acterised by filigree branches,
while in the summer the leaves
of the crown thicken to form a
voluminous mass. In addition to
the shape, the appearance of trees
is also characterised by blossom
and foliage in the course of the
seasons.
Rows of trees Tree-lined avenue Spacing of trees

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting applications | Vegetation
Trees
Observation Floodlights aimed upwards make background create back-lighting

Types of illumination the tree crown appear three- and make the tree crown into a
dimensional. Two floodlights from silhouette Uplights at the trunk
the front, yet to the side, illumi- accentuate the trunk as a linear
nate the crown evenly as a volu- feature and visually connect the
minous mass, while floodlights crown to the ground. Depending
mounted at the side add greater on the season, light from above
emphasis to the three-dimension- will either emphasise the contour
ality. Floodlights arranged around of the crown or accentuate the
three sides illuminate the crown shadows of the branch structure
evenly from all sides and reduce on the ground.
the three-dimensionality of the
tree form. Floodlights in the
Floodlight in front
Floodlight on the right
Floodlights right and left
Floodlights on three sides

E Guide
Trees
Floodlight behind
Uplight
Spotlight from above
Conclusion Luminaires arranged on several

sides give an even illumination
of the tree, while one or two
luminaires create a greater three-
dimensional effect. Narrow-
beamed uplights are suitable for
highlighting any striking, tall tree
trunks. The texture of the bark is
brought out stronger when light-
ing from the front. Positioning
the luminaires to the side gives
rise to a narrow line of light on
the trunk. When illuminating a
wall behind a tree, the silhouette
of the crown and trunk becomes
apparent. Spotlights mounted
in atria or on facades can cast
the contour of the tree and/or
branches as a shadow on the
ground.

E Guide
Trees
Observation One or two luminaires accentuate

Tree growth trees of small dimensions. Sev-
eral floodlights produce an even
illumination of large, fully grown
trees.
Small tree
Large tree
Conclusion Tree growth and avoiding glare of landscape better but require
are two points that must be more work to reposition however.
considered when arranging and
aiming the luminaires. On large
trees, several luminaires may be
necessary to achieve an even illu-
mination and to avoid a distorted
perception of light and dark parts.
Flexible, directable luminaires
with ground spikes can be repo-
sitioned and re-aimed as the tree
grows. Luminaires recessed into
the ground blend into the area

E Guide
Trees
Observation Floodlit illumination of the tree leaves are characteristic for the
Season crown particularly brings out the autumn. In the winter, the light-
beauty of the outermost blossom ing effect is reduced to the fili-
in the springtime. In the summer, gree branch work.
the dense foliage makes the crown
appear as a solid mass. Coloured
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Conclusion Lamp selection is a factor that

influences the colour of light and
the colour rendition of the leaves
and blossom. Daylight white col-
ours of light emphasise blue-green
foliage colours, whereas warm
white colours of light accentuate
brownish-red leaves.

E Guide
Trees
Applications Lighting for

- entrance areas
- atria
- spotlights
- floodlights
- uplights
Projects:
Ernst-August-Carree, Hannover
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
ERCO, Lüdenscheid

E Guide
Types of trees
Observation Floodlit illumination emphasises

the shape of the tree crown as
a solid volume. Positioning the
luminaires close to the tree under
lines with grazing light the texture
of the crown and of the trunk. The
illumination from below brings
out the three-dimensionality of
the crown when the foliage is
quite open.
Tree form: rounded
Floodlight, front
Floodlight behind

E Guide
Types of trees
Uplight
Tree form: Weeping
Floodlight in front

E Guide
Types of trees
Floodlight behind
Uplight
Tree form: columnar
Spotlight in front
Spotlight on the right

E Guide
Types of trees
Spotlights on three sides
Spotlight behind
Uplight
Tree form: conical
Floodlight at front

E Guide
Types of trees
Floodlight behind
Tree form: palm
Spotlight in front
Spotlight on the right
Spotlights on three sides

E Guide
Types of trees
Spotlight behind
Uplight
Conclusion Rounded, weeping trees with The desired illuminance must be

dense, low hanging foliage that selected to suit the reflectance
cannot be seen through, lend of the leaves.
themselves to floodlit illumina-
tion and the luminaires are best
positioned outside the area under
the tree. On spreading trees with
thin, see-through foliage, illumi-
nating from within the area under
the tree, using uplights allows
the whole tree crown to appear
aglitter. Illuminating a tree with
grazing light requires a flat inci-
dent beam at approximately 15
degrees. Spherical trees require a
greater distance between lumi-
naire and crown than columnar
trees do here. Narrow-beamed
uplights are particularly suit-
able for lighting high palms.

E Guide
Clusters of trees
Observation Floodlights located in front illu-

Luminaires minate the tree crowns evenly.
Floodlights positioned at the
sides produce a hard contrast of
light and shadow. Luminaires on
two sides avoid hard shadows.
Uplights at the trunk emphasise
the trunk as a vertical linear
feature.
Floodlight at front
Floodlights at sides
Uplights

E Guide
Clusters of trees
Observation The cluster of trees can be visu-

Light distribution ally differentiated by using dif-
ferent luminaires and differently
aimed. Spatial depth is created by
adding lighting emphasis in the
foreground, middle ground and
background. Stronger brightness
contrasts support this effect. Nar-
row-beamed luminaires provide
highlighting, while broad-beamed
floodlights take on the task of
general lighting.
Conclusion Having several luminaires with be considered when positioning

high cut-off angles reduces the and aiming the luminaires.
glare compared to a few broad-
beamed luminaires. Narrow-
beamed and well-aimed lumi-
naires reduce the superfluous
emission of light into the sur-
roundings. The decentralised illu-
mination of trees allows a differ
entiated lighting of a cluster of
trees. Spotlights are suitable for
additional highlights. Tree growth
and the avoidance of glare are to
- entrance areas
- atria
- spotlights
- floodlights
- uplights
Projects:
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Bank of China, Beijing
Bank of China, Beijing

E Guide
Rows of trees
Observation Upwardly directed spotlights

emphasise the tree canopy. Flood
lights with asymmetric light distri
bution give homogenous light
from base to canopy even on tall
and broad rows of trees. Narrow-
beamed uplights highlight the
tree trunk as a vertical, linear
feature.
Tree form: rounded

Floodlight
Tree form: rounded

Uplights
Tree form: columnar

Spotlights
Tree form: columnar

Uplights

E Guide
Rows of trees
Tree form: palm

Spotlights
Tree form: palm

Uplights
Conclusion The effectiveness of rows of trees

to delineate space depends to a
very large extent on the type of
tree. Thus, depending on the type
of tree, a closely planted row of
trees can appear as a ‚wall‘ or a
‚colonnade‘. Narrow-beamed and
well-aimed luminaires reduce the
glare and the spill light into the
surroundings. The tree growth
must be considered when posi-
tioning and aiming the lumi-
naires.
- entrance areas
- pathways
- spotlights
- floodlights
- uplights
Projects:
ERCO, Lüdenscheid
Loher Wäldchen park,
Lüdenscheid

E Guide
Tree-lined avenue
Observation Upwardly directed spotlights

emphasise the tree crowns.
Floodlights with asymmetric light
distribution give homogenous
lighting from base to canopy even
on extensive avenues of tall trees.
Narrow-beamed uplights high-
light the tree trunk as a vertical,
linear feature.
Tree form: rounded

Floodlights
Tree form: rounded

Uplights
Tree form: columnar

Spotlight
Tree form: columnar

Uplights

E Guide
Tree-lined avenue
Tree form: palm

Spotlights
Tree form: palm

Uplights
Conclusion The spatial profile of tree-lined

avenues depends to a very large
extent on the type of tree. Thus,
depending on the type of trees, an
avenue of narrowly spaced trees
can act as a wall and segregate a
definite area or can appear as a
colonnade. Narrow-beamed and
well-aimed luminaires reduce the
glare and spill light into the sur-
roundings. The tree growth must
be considered when positioning
and aiming the luminaires.

E Guide
Spacing of trees
Observation Broad, upwardly directed beams

of light emphasise the underside
of the tree canopy. Narrow-
beamed uplights highlight the
tree trunk as a vertical, linear
feature.
Tree form: weeping

Uplights, narrow-beam
Tree form: weeping

Uplights, wide-beam
Tree form: columnar

Spotlights
Tree form: columnar

Uplights

E Guide
Spacing of trees
Tree form: palm

Spotlights
Tree form: palm

Uplights
Conclusion The tree crowns of narrowly

spaced trees combine to take on
the effect of a canopy. Having
several narrow-beamed lumi-
naires reduces the glare compared
to a few broad-beamed lumi-
naires. On pathways and traffic
routes, it must be ensured that
the luminaires are well shielded
to prevent glare.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting
Design examples
In this subchapter, application

possibilities for outdoor lumi-
naires are shown using design
examples. Design variations are
presented using simulations.
Entrance area, small Entrance area, large Historical facade
Pathway

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Design examples
Entrance area, small
Situation The entrance area is formed by

a negative volume, which is set
apart from the outdoor area by
a few steps.
Planning Design 1
The wallwashers integrated in
the ceiling provide a very homoge
nous illumination of the wall. The
luminaires are integrated into the
architecture.
Design 2
The light intensity distribution
of the downlights determines the
overall impression of the scene.
On the wall, uniform beams of
become apparent and become
the formative element. The mate-
rial texture on the back wall is
brought out by the light.
Design 3
To meet the functional criteria
of an entrance, it is sufficient to
illuminate the ground. The overall
volume of the entrance recedes
into the background.

E Guide
Entrance area, small
Arrangement Design 1
The offset of the wallwashers
from the wall measures half the
wall height. The luminaire spac-
ing is equal to the offset from
the wall.
Design 2
To achieve a decorative lighting
effect, the downlights are posi-
tioned near to the wall.
Design 3
The floor washlights are located
at a height of 60cm in order to
avoid glare.

E Guide
Entrance area, large
Situation The design draft shows a repre-

sentational entrance area with a
canopy roof projecting out a long
way. This is supported by evenly
arranged struts. The main task is
to reinforce the representational
character using the lighting.
Planning Design 1
Downlights follow the form of the
cantilever roof along the struts.
The circles of light made by the
beams on the floor emphasise the
dynamics of the circular facade.
The wall adjoining onto the glass
facade is delicately brightened by
recessed ceiling wallwashers.
Design 2
Light is projected onto the canti-
lever roof via ceiling washlights.
The roof reflects the light onto
the floor. The indirect lighting
casts evenly diffused light onto
the ground. Additional illumina-
tion of the wall can be dispensed
with since the wall is also given
sufficient light by the reflection
from the roof. The luminaires
appear as independent architec-
tural elements.
Design 3
Each strut is highlighted by four
surface-mounted downlights. The
physical makeup of the struts is
emphasised.

E Guide
Entrance area, large
Arrangement The arrangement of the narrow-

beam recessed downlights fol-
lows the circular course of the
roof edge. To achieve a relation
between wall and luminaires, the
offset of recessed ceiling wall-
washers from the wall measures
only a quarter of the wall height.
Design 2
The ceiling washlights are
mounted at two thirds of the
strut height.
Design 3
The offset of the recessed ceiling
wallwashers from the wall meas-
ures a quarter of the wall height.
The surface-mounted downlights
are placed in a circular arrange-
ment around the struts at a short
distance away.

E Guide
Historical facade
Situation Historical facades require light-

ing concepts that are in harmony
with the architectural features.
For classical facades, the follow-
ing features are to be given con-
sideration in the lighting concept:
- columns
- porticoes
- friezes
- facade division into three areas:
portal and two side wings
In all the examples listed a faint
general lighting of the facade is
ensured via lens wallwashers. The
lighting should not be incident
too steeply, since otherwise irri-
tating heavy shadows could be
cast in the area of the friezes.
Planning Design 1
The columns are silhouetted
against the entrance area, which
is illuminated by surface-mount-
ed downlights. The three-dimen-
sional impression of the portico
is greatly reduced by the columns
that now appear almost flat. The
front elevation of the building is
clearly divided into three because
of the emphasis given to the
facade‘s central section.
Design 2
The columns are illuminated with
narrow-beam uplights. The tym-
panum is illuminated separately.
The fact that the entrance area
is set forward from the facade
becomes much more pronounced.
The view is attracted to the cen-
tral section of the building.
Design 3
The facade is clearly given a hori-
zontal division by illuminating the
frieze. The overall breadth of the
facade becomes more significant.
The columns were illuminated
as in design 2, but with reduced
light intensity so as not to overly
emphasise the entrance. Overall,
this differentiated lighting con-
cept lends the historical facade
a most magnificent character.

E Guide
Historical facade
Arrangement The starting point of all three

design examples is the homoge
nous general lighting of the
facade with lens wallwashers
mounted as recessed floor lumi-
naires. These are arranged in a
line at a distance of one third
of the building height in front
of the right and left sections of
the facade.
Design 1
One surface-mounted downlight
with a wide light intensity distri-
bution is positioned behind each
and every column.
Design 2
The columns are emphasised by
narrow-beam uplights arranged
circularly around the columns.
Design 3
Directional luminaires for high-
lighting the frieze are located at
a distance of one tenth of the
wall height in front of the two
side sections of the facade. The
spacing between the directional
luminaires themselves is relatively
small so that an even illumination
of the frieze is obtained. Narrow-
beam uplights in the semicircle
around the four columns add
brightness.

E Guide
Pathway
Situation Orientation along pathways can

be provided either by primary
lighting of the path surface or
by emphasising certain reference
points in the area.
Planning Design 1
Orientation is provided here on
the one hand by linearly arranged
points of light from floor wash-
lights and on the other by mark-
ing points of interest. In this
example, a low illumination of
the pathway by floor washlights
is sufficient because illuminating
the row of trees provides orien
tation.
Design 2
The path surface is well lit with
wide-beam floor washlights. The
evenly arranged floor washlights
guide one‘s view. The adjacent
trees are silhouetted against the
evenly illuminated wall behind
them. The spatial limits are
emphasised and this gives the
viewer an indication about the
volume of the area.

E Guide
Pathway
Arrangement Design 1
The uplights are arranged to the
right and left of the trees. A row
of floor washlights runs parallel
to this.
Design 2
The lens wallwashers for illumi-
nating the wall are recessed in
the floor at an offset from the
wall of a third of the wall height.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting
Lighting design
The development in architecture

towards transparency transforms
buildings at night into effigies
shining from the inside out.
Light has advanced to become a
marketing topic for a number of
cities. A sensitive treatment of
Dark Sky light in the outdoor area is crucial
for acheiving a clear view of the
night sky.

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting design
Dark Sky
Introduction Dark Sky stands for a lighting

design in the outdoor area where-
by the lighting concentrates on
what is actually essential. Any
kind of light pollution is avoided
and observation of the night sky
is enabled. This approach com-
bines a lasting design concept
with a luminaire technology
tailored to suit. The cooperative
teamwork of lighting designers,
architects, landscape gardeners,
building sponsors, electrical fit-
ters and luminaire manufacturers
forms the basis for a successful
implementation of the Dark Sky
concept.
Light pollution The term ”light pollution” refers

to that spill light which, due to
its illuminance, its direction or its
spectrum, causes interference in
the context in question. Spill light
and glare reduce the visual com-
fort and the desired content of
information cannot be conveyed.
The ecological consequences
include the waste of energy and
the negative effects on flora and
fauna.
Graphic: Artificial Night Sky
Brightness in Europe
Credit: P. Cinzano, F. Falchi (Uni-
versity of Padova), C. D. Elvidge
(NOAA National Geophysical Data
Center, Boulder). Copyright Royal
Astronomical Society. Reproduced
from the Monthly Notices of the
RAS by permission of Blackwell
Science.
www.lightpollution.it/d msp/

E Guide
Outdoor lighting | Lighting design
Dark Sky
Luminaires Luminaires suitable for Dark Sky

applications feature precise light
control and a defined cut-off for
optimum visual comfort. Having
no emission of light above the
horizontal plane is a decisive cri-
terium for open area and pathway
luminaires. A low luminance at
the light aperture avoids exces-
sive contrasts in luminance levels
in the outdoor area.
Planning The first design task for a Dark

Arrangement Sky concept is to ascertain for
what purpose and with what
quality the particular areas are
to be illuminated. The following
is decisive for a lasting lighting
concept:
- adequate illuminance
- avoidance of spill light above
the horizontal plane
- correct alignment of luminaires
- reduce or switch off the lighting
when no longer needed
The luminaires should be arranged
such that the elements to be illu-
minated are optimally lit and no
light shines past the objects. This
avoids dazzling the observers.
Planning With the Dark Sky concept the

Control lighting control takes on special
significance for regulating the
intensity and duration of the
lighting for individual zones,
thus regulating the overall light
emission. The lighting control
allows switching and dimming for
individual areas. Predefined light
scenes can be recalled dependent
on the time of day and season
via time sensors and motion sen-
sors. Function-dependent lighting
scenes for the twilight, evening
and night can be controlled
dependent on sensors.

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E Guide

Outdoor lighting concepts can

Design examples Lighting design

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 185

The effect of rooms, facades,

Wallwashing Orientation lighting

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 186

Ambient lighting produced by

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 187

Observation Direct and aimed general lighting

Conclusion The directed light produces good

Applications Downlights cater for an even light

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 188

Observation Direct, diffuse general lighting

Conclusion Direct, diffuse light produces

Applications Direct, diffuse general lighting for

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 189

Observation Washlighting illuminates larger

Conclusion The directed light produces good

Applications Washlighting illumination for:

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 190

Vertical illuminance defines and

Uniform wallwashing Uniform vertical illuminance

Wallwashing with focal Wallwashing with focal emphasis

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 191

Grazing light wallwashing Grazing light emphasises the

Applications Washlighting illumination for

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 192

Observation Accent light emphasises vegeta-

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 193

Applications Accent lighting creates points of

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 194

Observation Orientation lighting improves the

Recessed floor luminaires

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 195

Conclusion Low illumination levels are suf-

Applications Orientation lighting for the

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 196

Luminaires are available in a wide

Façade luminaires Bollard luminaires Recessed luminaires

Surface-mounted Recessed floor Orientation

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 197

Light Projectors illuminate a narrowly - emission angle determines the

Projectors have narrow-beam

Applications Accent lighting for:

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 198

Light Floodlights have a wide-beam - gradient: soft edge to the beam

Applications Washlighting provides an even

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 199

Light Wallwashers have a wide-beam - light output ratio is increased by

Applications Wallwashing is an important

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 200

Light Ceiling and wall-mounted - cut-off angle increases visual

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 201

Applications For illumination of:

Edition: 20/02/2012 | Updated version at www.erco.com 202

Light Bollard luminaires have a wide- optimised reflector technology