Light is much more than a medium that allows us to perceive. When designed, light has the ability to create ambience, to shape our experiences or to set the mood for an evening of entertainment. Lighting design enhances buildings, shapes the user experience and alters the mood of a space. It is also capable of fulfilling functional and ergonomic requirements like having enough and comfortable (non-glary) light where you need it .

The definition of (architectural) lighting design is the work of shaping the visual experience of a space.

A lighting concept describes the design intent for the lighting scheme of a space or lighting installation. A lighting concept generally answers to a client brief and takes into account their needs, wishes and constraints.

We love to communicate our vision for the lighting or design intent with mood images, sketches, and visualisations to enable both our client and other consultants to clearly understand them always incorporating their inputs and opinions.

Luminous flux describes the total amount of emitted light by a light source and is measured in lumen (lm). It is a measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source or lamp. The brighter the light source the higher the lumen.

Tip from a lighting designer

It is essential for us to know the lumen output of a light source or fixture to create a balanced lighting atmosphere and a pleasant visual hierarchy.

Lumen (lm) is the unit used to measure luminous flux and describes the total amount of visible emitted light by a source of light – either a lamp or a luminaire.

Defining the lumen of light sources and fixtures is essential for creating a balanced lighting atmosphere and a pleasant visual hierarchy. The brighter the light source the higher the lumen.

At Studio De Schutter we like to think outside of the box. Often we design custom-made fixtures to match users' needs and specific project requirements. Often we design what we call "lighting hack" to meet deadline or budget requirements. A light hack is a semi-bespoke solution that combines off-the-shelfe components and mixes them in a new and creative way.

We live by the motto #creativityisourcurrency and don’t let us be stopped by limitations.

As lighting specialists, we notice that the terms “lamp” and “luminaire” are often used interchangeably, with a tendency to use “lamp” to describe a “luminaire”.

A lamp is a light source that produces optical visible radiation. The characteristics of a lamp are described by its colour temperature, dimension, socket, lamp lifetime, distribution, and luminous flux.

A luminaire or fixture is a lighting product that emits visible radiation. A luminaire contains all parts necessary to contain the lamp, thus the housing including the lamp socket, the reflectors or covers to distribute the lighting, and the technical equipment like heat sinks and drivers.

Tip from a lighting designer

Lighting designers design the layout of luminaires and define the characteristics of the lamps.