IESNA

Guidelines to Improve Your IIDA Text

1. Clearly state the complexity of the problem.

What area, object or people were to be illuminated and why? What were the visual tasks? Were there special effects to be achieved? Is the space used for varied functions? Were there energy or budget limitations? Were there architectural, structural, HVAC or maintenance restrictions?

2. Define the lighting concept.

Does the lighting contribute to the function of the space? Is the system consistent with the aesthetics of the space? Is there daylight in the space and if so how was it controlled and utilized.

3. If lighting was integrated into the architecture, explain how.

Is the lighting equipment integrated into the environment? Is the solution consistent with the purpose of the space? Does the lighting enhance the space? What was incorporated into the design that is of special value to the needs of the end-user?

4. Address the originality of your design.

What considerations did you deem necessary in the selection of lamp sources and equipment to solve the problem? Were commercially available products used? If custom equipment was used, what particular problems were solved? What aspects of the design are innovative or special?

5. Utilize IESNA recommendations to reinforce the performance criteria.

What performance criteria were used to solve the problem? Were owner and/or architect’s requirements met? Although not required, did the solution meet or exceed the IESNA recommendations for quantity and quality of light? If so, address the recommended practice that guided you. List the actual foot-candle levels and why those levels were targeted.

6. Reinforce the visual comfort of your design.

Did you have to address the viewing comfort, glare, reflections, or contrast ratios of the end-user? How did you solve the problem?

7. Utilize budget constraints as part of your problem-solution task.

Is the initial cost appropriate to the client’s needs? Was a life cycle analysis done? Have operating costs been kept as low as possible?

8. Define how the system is maintained.

Is the solution easy to maintain? What safety issues were addressed? What was incorporated into the solution to make maintenance an easy task? What type of equipment was utilized to achieve the design? What performance requirements were demanded of the equipment? What lamp types were chosen for ease of maintenance?

9. Close with a clear, concise explanation of why the design deserves an award.

Is the design fresh, unique or innovative? Does the design make a special contribution to the art and science of lighting? Does the design improve human welfare, productivity or activity? Does the design motivate people in some way?

Guidelines to Improve Your IIDA Photographs

1. Prepare a text outline in advance

It is best to have an idea of how you want your presentation to flow before you start taking photographs.

2. Know the appropriate filters to use

Get advice on different filters for different light sources

3. Use a Tripod

Most lighting shots will require some time exposure. It is best to use a tripod

4. Take plenty of photographs.

Take at least 72 images so you have plenty to choose from. If one area appears better in the photos, modify your script to focus on that area.

5. Utilize different angles.

Take several shots of the same area that you wish to show, but try several different angles.

6. If shooting the project yourself, get advice.

Visit a professional camera store or call a professional photographer for advice.

7. The images must accurately represent the appearance of the lighting installation.

Fill light is easily detected by professionals and might influence their thoughts on your project or make decisions difficult. Remember this is a program to judge architectural lighting design. The integrity of the design should be reflected in each image. Do not digitally enhance the images being submitted.

8. Carefully identify each image with the project name and number to correspond to the script.

Be sure to put the number first followed by the project name. For example: 001GWbridge.jpg 002GWbridge.jpg.

9. The single biggest mistake is not having the text match the image being viewed.

The Nomination form clearly states where and how they are to be labeled.

10. Be sure to only use one CD-ROM per entry.

11. Use a professional photographer if possible.

If you feel strongly about your project, invest in good photographs. Explore all avenues. Maybe the end-user would like to have photographs as well. Remember that the end-user will get an award also.