Directional light is emitted from point-shaped light sources and belongs to the classification direct lighting. One example from nature is the sun. In contrast to indirect light the light source is usually directed directly at the target surface to be illuminated. A common form of directional or focused light is accent lighting, e.g. via LED spotlights.
Left: narrow distribution for accent lighting
Right: wide distribution for floodlighting/general lighting
In a lighting situation, direct, directional lighting can also provide uniform general lighting on the horizontal plane. The special feature of this lighting: the floor is illuminated while the ceiling remains dark, and beams of light (scallops) are seen on the walls. The height of the light beam on the wall depends on the respective light distribution.
Directional lighting and the modelling effect on various geometric objects (left, centre) as compared to diffuse lighting (on right).
General lighting in the office that relies primarily on indirect lighting (diffuse light), supplemented by directional light in the area of workstations, relaxation areas and meeting zones.
Directional lighting is suitable in various situations and areas. Interiors that require focused lighting can benefit from directional lighting. The classic application for directional light is accent lighting in exhibitions, but directional light is also used in offices. For example, when high brightness and targeted light are needed for certain tasks.
The angle of incidence and number of light sources is indicated by the shadows with directional lighting.
Directional light opens up a wide range of options for lighting design: focused light not only creates exciting effects such as shadows and reflections, but the choice of beam angle and beam direction also enable the influencing of direction of gaze and attention. In contrast to diffuse lighting, which affects the entire room from the light source, the effect of focused light depends on the position of the luminaire.
When planning directional lighting components, the expectations of light direction and light colour resulting from the elementary experience of daylight should be taken into account. Thus, the directed light comes from above or laterally, but never from below. The colour of sunlight is significantly warmer than that of diffuse daylight. Therefore, lighting in which directional light comes obliquely from above and has a warmer light colour than diffuse general lighting is perceived as natural. The use of deviating light directions and colour temperature combinations is possible, but leads to particularly striking effects.
Pendant luminaires as suspended luminaires are often used to draw the gaze and attention to certain surfaces, such as reception desks and tables.
In addition, some LED wall luminaires and wall-mounted luminaires can also produce directional light. These luminaires are designed to direct light either upwards or downwards, creating a focused and accentuated lighting effect.
