The planning of artificial lighting for indoor and outdoor is becoming ever more important within the area of architecture. The planning of light with artificial light encompasses the making available of enough lighting capacity for effective working during conditions of inadequate daylight. The general framework is defined within the EN 12464 European standard at least in EUROPE. In addition to this thought, more comprehensive requirements must generally be met by today's lighting concepts. Lighting is expected to become an integral part of the overall design, for both indoor and outdoor environment. It should support and protect people during periods of work and activity; it should take into account physical and psychological aspects of health and well- being, and should adapt itself to the surrounding architectural conditions.

Luminaires and luminaire systems serve as instruments in the creation of artificial light. Their optical systems transform the characteristics of he illuminant (the lamp) into attributes that can be partly physically described but also contain aspects of subjective perception (sch atmosphere) that are not characteristic are the main selection criteria for a luminaire. Formal attributes such a s method of design are also important.
The area of installation if the luminaire present further demands such as its level of protection against external influences.
Compared to single luminaires, luminaire systems also encompass the integration of other architecturally determined functions such as air conditioning or PA arrangements.

The following pages show a range of lighting concepts for varying areas: