Quality Illumination
Natural outdoor light provides the most effective and comfortable lighting. Luminous ceilings provide a similar atmosphere by evenly spreading the light to provide comfortable, glare-free lighting. Light coming from all directions eliminates harsh shadows. Good lighting not only provides a better atmosphere but also reduces fatigue and increases efficiency and accuracy. A luminous ceiling provides the best solution both aesthetically and functionally for the illumination of a space.

Perimeter Transitions
One of the most important elements to carefully detail is the perimeter. Properly designed, the perimeter transition is an attractive architectural detail instead of an abrupt ending. Many transition designs are shown in the grid system section.

Economics
Because of new design approaches and the wide variety of luminous elements we have available, luminous ceilings can be designed to fit any budget. One very economical approach is to consider luminous islands. For example: a 10' x 10' lobby area would require 100 square feet of luminous ceiling if the design was wall to wall. By using an 8' x 8' area with a 12" perimeter of acoustical tile, the area is only 64 square feet or 64% of the area and COST.

Modernization
Our "complete package" luminous ceilings provide the perfect answer for modernization. An old interior can be streamlined to hide pipes, ducts, and other eyesores, and at the same time provide cheerful and comfortable light, all very economically.

Open Louver Cells
Open louver designs prevent dirt accumulation on the luminous element and form a natural air movement media. Open louvers usually present an advantage, but occasionally the question is raised about being able to see through them. Almost all of our louver designs provide a minimum visual shielding of 45°, assuring no view through the louver to the plenum above. A viewer is "craning his neck" when he looks above 45°. When a ceiling must be closed because of air movement or an unusual viewing angle, a white plastic top sheet can be laid on top of most louvers.

Air
Air can be delivered or recovered through open cell louvers. Evenly distributed into the plenum, it filters through the louvers and provides a comfortable draft-free atmosphere. In a ceiling with a solid luminous element, the heat from the lamps and ballasts can be exhausted from the plenum so it does not have to be added to the air-conditioning load. Linear air bars, air handling grid systems, perimeter diffusers, and standard anemostats can also be integrated into the luminous ceiling design to provide the mechanical requirements while maintaining an architecturally pleasing ceiling plane.

Acoustical Treatment
When acoustical treatment is necessary, simple low cost acoustical correction can be applied above the luminous ceiling. Open louver designs allow sound to pass through the ceiling and can be acoustically corrected in the plenum above. In areas with a common plenum for several rooms the walls should be continued up through the luminous ceiling to prevent sound traveling from one room to another.