Light distribution should be constant, pleasing to the eye, and oriented to illuminate where needed. A reading light for home use should not affect the person watching television in the room, yet should provide the proper level of light for the page and not be too glaring.
Similarly, we do not want bright light shining through the windows on a sports night to make it difficult to sleep. The term asymmetric light output refers to a system in which light is directed in different directions. Light is spread evenly in all directions.
Earlier this year, new standards went into effect requiring the selection of lighting products that minimize the potential blinding effects of lighting in public spaces such as sports fields. Newly installed lighting and outdoor lighting will be affected by this new standard. Glare is a phenomenon that occurs when the eye encounters more light than it can see.
What is asymmetry in lighting?
It is the lack of even distribution of light in all directions due to an asymmetric light source. Asymmetric light rays can be directed to specific areas. Parabolic reflectors are the most common fixtures and are used to reflect and focus light. Asymmetric fixtures provide the same visibility as conventional fixtures, while reducing energy costs.
No light is wasted on areas that do not require luminescence. This lighting technique reduces the number of light sources needed to illuminate the entire space. Asymmetric light sources can be used in a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications. Asymmetric lighting is designed to reduce indirect glare and sharp shadows.
When installed in the workplace, it allows the eye to work in pleasant light. When asymmetric lighting is used in a stadium, the light is friendly to both players and spectators. Asymmetric lighting allows light rays to be focused in one direction. This is an efficient solution for offices as well, since it does not generate direct sunlight, which can cause eye strain.
Asymmetrical balance can also be used in interior design, art, and landscaping. When it comes to balance, we tend to work on symmetry because it looks the same on both sides. In organizing a home, three types of balance can be considered.
Symmetrical interior design is a style in which a room is divided into two separate rooms. This could mean a living room with two couches and a coffee table in the middle, and a bedroom with matching pillows, footstools, and lighting on either side of the room.
What is symmetrical lighting?
The symmetrical light source distributes light evenly in all directions. The rays should be used for general illumination of large spaces and for accent lighting of visual tasks. Light is evenly distributed and used for a wide range of applications.
What are asymmetric and symmetric floodlights?
Symmetrical floodlights distribute light evenly in all directions, while asymmetrical floodlights use reflectors to direct light in front of the fixture. Asymmetric floodlights are better at focusing light where it is needed compared to symmetric floodlights, which are achieved through state-of-the-art lens technology. This allows asymmetric floodlights to achieve up to 50% better power utilization in the intended beam coverage.
It is possible to use asymmetric floodlights in athletic fields for lower indirect glare. The floodlight is available in two versions. The ground in front of the light posts is illuminated by symmetrical floodlights. The direct up-slope light is one of those included in the light spill; the area marked by the graphic between the two posts is the area to be illuminated. This allows the light to be focused on a specific area in front of the floodlight, making it ideal for use in town.
Applications of asymmetric floodlight
Asymmetric floodlights are best used in areas where light distribution and neighborhood effects are a consideration. They are ideal for built-up areas, town and city installations, and thus are perfect for soccer fields, tennis courts, construction sites, warehouses, loading bays, and downtown retail parks.
In theater and sports stadium lighting, asymmetric has good advantages. Asymmetrical floodlights allow the eye to avoid focusing on the light source and reduce sharp shadows.
Construction sites require proper luminaire installation for optimum productivity. Single beam angles set in awkward positions can increase the risk of injury and financial damage.
In parking lots, lighting is good. Symmetrical lighting is most common.
Storage facilities should be exposed to direct sunlight. Light spilling into the warehouse should illuminate all surfaces.
Applications of symmetric floodlight
With symmetric floodlighting in large open spaces, light affecting neighbors is not a problem. Ideal for illuminating large outdoor sports pitches and facilities. With symmetric sports floodlights there is a transition from dark to bright spaces in the work place. The work area is never in the shade.
Advantages of asymmetrical lighting
Reduce glare
A wide range of application areas can be achieved with asymmetric light sources, both indoors and outdoors. Asymmetric lighting is designed to reduce indirect glare and sharp shadows. When installed in the workplace, it allows people to work in light that is pleasing to the eye. When installed in a stadium, asymmetric lighting is friendly to both players and spectators.
Lower running cost
Asymmetrical luminaires incorporate sophisticated optics to direct light flux to specific locations. Parabolics are fixtures that use mirrored surfaces to reflect and focus light. They provide the same visibility as conventional fixtures, but with lower energy costs with asymmetric fixtures. No light is wasted on areas where luminescence is not needed. By using this lighting technology, the number of light sources needed for total illumination of a space could be reduced.
The balance
Balancing a room can be achieved by aligning lines, shapes, and colors. A playful and balanced space can be created. Sofas, end tables, and entertainment consoles can be placed to one side of the living room.
Many designers do not use radial balancing because it is the most complex. Instead of dividing the room into two halves, designers place the focal element at the center and the matching elements around it. For example, in a dining room, tables and chairs are aligned and light fixtures are evenly distributed along the walls.
Casual environments can be created
Asymmetrical light fixtures, furniture, and design can make a space more interesting, as well as make a room feel a bit more casual and relaxed. Spaces with symmetrical designs tend to have a more formal, stuffy feel. Asymmetrical balance makes it easier to add fun decor and accents. Kitchens and living rooms with high-traffic areas favor interiors that emphasize asymmetrical balance.
Make the venue more inviting
Interior design adds visual interest by making lighting fixtures, furniture, and wall art asymmetrical. Asymmetrical designs such as lighting fixtures, furniture, and wall art add interest to a space. Asymmetrical designs can also be predictable in how they will be laid out due to the way the brain processes information. Avoiding less obvious patterns also makes it easier for the brain to process.
Asymmetrical design does not require dramatic changes in space. Asymmetrical design can be used to call out what is important in the space. Instead of having the chandelier be the centerpiece of the kitchen and enforcing symmetry, consider mixing pendant lights, wall sconces, and flush-mount fixtures to create a space that is not boring and balanced.
Tips for choosing asymmetrical lighting
The beam angle should be selected carefully
Most manufacturers offer beam angles ranging from very narrow, depending on the lens, to wider beam angles with a wider spread of light. This is a pre-set option, so it is important to choose the right beam angle for your application when ordering them.
Smart control of lighting
New lighting models offer asymmetric illumination with features such as 1-10V dimming and DALI.
Installation
It is possible to physically adjust the light to where it is needed. In sports lighting, it is important to direct the light downward to where the athletes need it to avoid spilling light into the night sky or glaring light on spectators.
How to achieve asymmetrical lighting design?
We have a few suggestions to help you explore this style of design.
A natural focal point is what you should pick
Most of the room has a natural focal point that you can use. If it is a dining room, it is the table, if it is a bedroom, it is the bed, and if it is a living room, it is the fireplace. The most natural focal point to consider when choosing a room is the focal point of the room. Add asymmetrical light fixtures or wall art to create a more dynamic space.
It can be large or small
If you decide to go forward with asymmetry, not every space needs to make a big statement. Sometimes a single chair angle or asymmetrical lighting is all it takes to add energy and movement to a space.
Coordinate all elements
Even asymmetrical designs can be cohesive. When creating an asymmetrical design, it is more important to have common elements that tie the whole together.
For example, the cord color of an asymmetrical light fixture might match one of the shades of velvet on the sofa or the patterned accent rug underfoot. By repeating a color, shape, or line, you can create a sense of unity.
Conclusion
Is lighting asymmetrical or symmetrical? One of the most difficult questions to answer when choosing lighting is the difference between asymmetrical and symmetrical light distribution. The definitions of asymmetrical and symmetrical light distribution are presented in this blog. Please use it to help educate your customers.
It is important to remember that symmetrical light sources distribute light evenly in multiple directions. They can be used in lighting designs for places like warehouses or open parking lots. They can be used as accent lighting for visual tasks. Asymmetrical lighting illuminates a single direction. It is efficient for office lighting. Direct glare is not produced by light spilling from it. Severe eye strain can be caused by direct glare.