RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING

Evening Star, Issue 22723, 10 August 1937, Page 2

RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING

A FACTOR FSR HEALTH “ Let there he the right light is one of (he i*rint-i pics on which the modern architect works (or the proper lighting of large or small buildings. “ The newest concept of good residential lighting has sprung recently from a background of scientific activity,” remarks Kugone W. Commery in the ‘ American Architect.’ “ Research lias cstabished beyond all question that light and the associated effort of seeing has a profound effect on the human being. It has also established the fact that this effect is mild or severe in relation to the quantity and quality of the light itself. - The perfection of delicate photometric instruments has given a moans of measuring light scientifically in terms of quantity. But the newest concept of good lighting extends this measuring technique in terms of lighting quality which involve elements of contrast, diffusion, location, and balance. Quantity can bo determined precisely. But measurement of these quality characteristics necessitates an evaluation of their individual contribution to a genorallyeffective lighting result. And it is only from a knowledge of how these individual elements can be provided that standards of good residential lighting can bo developed. “ Fortunately, it Is no longer necessary to guess how these required standards can bo met. Science has demonstrated laws for measuring good seeing and experience has adapted the principle to include good feeling as well. Quality and quantity of light can he made sufficient to serve our eyes comfortably and adequately for any given visual task. It remains only to produce lighting arrangements of such character that this service can be made a pleasant and appropriate one. “ Research tests have established the fact that seeing involves much more than light and eyes. Nerves, muscles,

the brain, and the heart all play a part and react according to the lighting conditions at hand. When lighting is inadequate tho entire body strains unconsciously to see. Therefore an efficient architect makes careful provision for the lighting of a house, because he knows that this matter is just as necessary a part of a modern residence as sanitary plumbing or adequate ventilation. “ Quantity alone is not sufficient for comfortable seeing, however. The factor of comfort is in turn developed from lighting contrasts, from diffusion of light to eliminate unpleasant shadows, from the location of tho light source itself and from a balance between quantity and quality of light sources which eliminates disturbing glare and places each light source in a pleasant relation to the entire lighting scheme. Thus, comfort, as well as utility, has an important bearing on good residential lighting. . “ In addition, the adaptability of tho lighting arrangements to tho various uses of a room is almost as important as the factors of utility and comfort. Without doubt, good lighting in tho homo could bo achieved with no difficulty whatever in the same way that it is developed in stores or offices, in theatre lobbies or in restaurants.” THREE-YEAR PAINT SCHEME A further three years’ campaign for paint was decided on by the Federation of Associated Paint, Colour, and Varnish Manufacturers at a meeting of the federation’s marketing council in Great Britain. The federation includes some of the largest subscribers to the paint marketing council’s previous schemes, and it is regarded as certain that the campaign will be proceeded with. It is understood that a scheme may be started in tho autumn. There have been four previous paint campaigns in England. Spring schemes were carried out in 1934, o, and G. In 1934 there was also an autumn campaign. Mr S. llomilly Hall, chairman of the federation, speaking at Scarborough, testified to tho value of the paint schemes in bringing down the- level of unemployment in the industry.— ‘ World Press News.’