Sparks Electrical News January 2019

LIGHTING

17

TIPS FOR LIGHTING UP A RETAIL SPACE

T he principal goal in retail lighting is to improve the shopper’s overall experience. In order to achieve this, Spazio suggests that lighting designers find a balance between the emotional and rational aspects of their design, which in some cases, can cause a bit of a debate amongst designers. On the emotional side design- ers aim to add much drama and aesthetic appeal to the space. On the other side of the spectrum, the designers need to give rational thought to which lighting applications will be the most practical and functional, given the space. With the advancement of LED technology and the diversity in shape and form of new luminaires, finding the balance between the emotional and the rational has become so much more complicated. When designers consider both of the elements mentioned during the design phases, they will need to look at colour, shape and contrast. It is important to ensure that the light output can be controlled to give a

blend or contrast as part of the interior and so become part of the architectural design. The selection of luminaires and the way they will be applied will also be influenced by the positioning of the store’s branding as well as branding on the products itself. Having a general overview of the task at hand, the lighting designer may now weigh the emotion of their design against the rational aspects which hold it accountable. Factors such as energy efficiency as well as the operating costs to keep these luminaires burning are also factors that the store owner needs to be informed of and considered. One way lighting designers may ensure an energy efficient lighting solution is by specifying quality luminaires that have high light output ratios with low power consumption ratings with the possibility to be dimmed to achieve the correct light levels.

are reflected faithfully or not. When designers evaluate the space, they need to consider what is being displayed as well as how it will be displayed. These two factors should ultimately determine what light fittings will be installed and well as the layout of the fittings within the space. The way the light fittings are applied within the space will influence the cost of the relationship greatly in that the designers may have a few choices when it comes to which types of luminaires to install. The selection can vary from power track systems, which allow for greater flexibility; recessed light channel lighting systems that are highly flexible in adapting the light to any changes made within the presentation space; or recessed ceiling luminaires which are great in presenting dark light on certain displays. Designers may also choose to incorporate cove lighting which indirectly highlights and subdues certain elements, adding drama to the scene with fixed surface luminaires that might

Enquiries: www.spazio.co.za

realistic and true reflection of the products on display. For this reason ,the quality of the light optics emitted from the LED chip is very important. Designers should also keep in mind that although colour temperature assists in creating the mood of the space, it is the CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of the LED chip itself that determines whether colours

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2019