Artificial light – from two sources
Ferenc Németi, electrical engineer
MúzeumCafé 14.
There are two main tendencies in museum lighting: one says that lights have to focus on the works of art with less background lighting; the other favours having as neutral and even illumination as possible, similar to the light effects produced by cloudy weather, the idea being that visitors can view the works as the artists did when creating them. “The separate and the combined application of these two can be seen in the plans for the extension of the Fine Arts Museum”, says electrical engineer and lighting specialist Ferenc Németi of Tertak Ltd. “The combined artificial light consists of two parts – an illuminating ceiling, which is a large surface providing diffused white light imitating natural light, and track lighting, which can be considered traditional. We imagine the latter such that a closed electric track system where different lighting fixtures can be installed is created on the ceiling. Lighting design must fit in with the changing exhibition functions and spaces, and an optimum balance of different aspects must be found. For instance, considering energy consumption in large spaces with high ceilings it is advantageous to have foiled, diffuse ceiling lighting, because above the foil energy-saving strip lights can be used. Diffuse light is most intensive in the top third of the room and less gets to the bottom third. Thus, although it’s a good solution from the aspect of saving energy, it is not satisfactory functionally and therefore must be supplemented with guided illumination. That’s what track lighting is for.” “The tracks are placed on the ceiling in a fixed geometric grid and flexible lights attached anywhere can be moved within minutes, as well as quickly and easily adjusted at various angles and directions using an adapter. Exhibition organisers have to decide what kind of illumination they want for the given works of art, then technicians can immediately place.