DF assignment

Design Futures Assignment Questions


What is the actual difference between lights of different colours?

We can see lights in many different colours because of the amount of light reflected and absorbed. Objects absorb some wavelengths of light and reflect others sun. The sun produces light known as white light, which is a blend of many different coloured lights, known as visible light. For example a apple is the colour red because it reflects light in the red wavelength and absorbs all other visible wavelengths.

Define the following lighting terms: ambient light, direct light diffuser, luminosity, energy efficiency, and watts.

Direct Light Diffuser: It is a light fixture, such as a frosted globe, that spreads light evenly. It is used in photography to soften shadows.
Luminosity: Is the brightness of a light with certain wavelengths as it appears to the human eye.
Watts: Watts are a unit of power. They measure the rate of electrical energy being consumed or released.
Ambient Light: It is any light outside coming through windows, or an overhead room light. An example sunlight is ambient light.
Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency is about using less energy, but still providing the same level of output.


Comment on Global Warming

The scientific community agree that humans are very likely to cause an increase in global average temperature. Global warming is when the earth's temperature rises. This happens when greenhouse gases trap heat and light from the sun into the earth's heat. Once the light and heat is in the atmosphere it cannot get out. If there is to many greenhouse gases on the earth it will get too hot. Global warming is making the sea rise creating a problem for animals, plants and people on islands. The pollution cause from it is destroying many forests because of the acid in the pollution. The government has implemented a new law called the Clean Air Act. This is helping stop global warming as many regulations are being placed. These include making companies change their products, adding labels on polluting products and they are also making car companies change the machinery because cars are one of the main causes of global warming.

How can the modern home become more energy efficient with regard to lighting?
Modern homes have become a main source of energy consumption. This is because of heating, television, lights, electricity ,showers and food preparation. With the amount of energy being consumed people need to find ways to create an energy efficient home. Some ways to become more energy efficient at home include installing heavier and more modern insulation into homes to steady the house’s climate and reduce energy usage. Another way is by changing your lighting to LED lights as the amount of energy used is less. Solar hot water panels, space heating and cooling with passive-solar design and eaves over the side of your house all contribute to creating a modern, energy efficient home.


Research a modern day lighting designer and comment on their contribution to the design world.
Mark Elliot has over a decades' experience as an architectural lighting design consultant. Trained as a furniture designer he calls upon these skills in detailing light into architecture. His broad international experience as a lighting designer includes work across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia and America. He has lots of connections and experience which helps him create energy efficient lights.