Thus far, the “Workplace Illumination” series has presented primarily conceptual information (i.e. physics) and the human side (i.e. physiology) of lighting and vision.  This installment begins an exploration of the hardware (i.e. physical structures) used to bring designed lighting to fruition.  Luminaires are fundamental building blocks of lighting systems and embody a substantial portion of their design specifications.
            Despite their central role, many users of lighting systems fail to appreciate the extent to which the specification of luminaires influences the comfort, safety, and productivity of workspaces.  The functions of a luminaire, how its components serve those functions, and various types of luminaires are presented in this installment.  A basic understanding of luminaire functions is required to optimize lighting system design or even to create functional lighting.

     All five human senses are used to collect information about our surroundings.  However, far more information is collected and processed by visual means than by any of the other senses.  Visual information is given higher priority than other sensory stimuli by both the structure and function of the brain.  Thus, visual communication is the dominant form of information transfer and a critical consideration in lighting system design.
     The use of color is an important element of visual communication.  As discussed in previous installments of this series, color and illumination choices are interrelated; some combinations are better enablers of effective communication than others.  This installment explores some forms of visual communication and impacts of color and lighting system design choices.