In shortA lighting package for a Gulf project normally contains a calculation report for each space (average and minimum illuminance, uniformity and, where required, glare), a luminaire schedule with the manufacturer's photometric files, and emergency and exit lighting layouts. The target levels come from the client's brief and the authority's rules, so confirm them before the first calculation is run.
What is in the calculation report?
For each space the report shows a plan with the calculation grid and the results as isolines or a false-colour render, together with the values the reviewer checks: average illuminance, minimum illuminance, uniformity (the minimum divided by the average) and, where the brief asks for it, the unified glare rating. It also states the working plane height, the maintenance factor, the room reflectances, the number of luminaires and the installed power, often as watts per square metre.
Where do the target levels come from?
Usually from the client's or consultant's lighting brief, which often draws on EN 12464-1 or the IES recommendations. Emergency lighting and exit signs are driven by the authority's requirements for the country or emirate, including its civil-defence rules. We take the targets from the brief you supply and do not guess them, because a report prepared to the wrong levels has to be redone in full.
What photometric data and software are used?
Calculations use the luminaire manufacturer's photometric files, in IES or EULUMDAT (LDT) format. We calculate in DIALux and AGi32 and issue the PDF report together with the project files, so your team can re-run a space when a luminaire changes.
Why does ambient temperature matter?
Plant rooms, car parks, covered exterior areas and spaces with high solar gain can run hotter than a luminaire's standard rating. Check the rated ambient temperature of the luminaire and its driver for those spaces before the schedule is fixed; it is much cheaper to catch on paper than after procurement.
What should be settled before modelling starts?
- the ceiling heights, finishes and reflectances, and the furniture or equipment layout that defines the working planes;
- the short-list of luminaires and their photometric files;
- the controls and dimming strategy, which affects both the calculation and the schedule;
- the emergency lighting approach (self-contained luminaires or a central battery system);
- the template, the BIM execution plan and the units and conventions the drawings use.
Frequently asked questions
Can you work to authority submission requirements?
We prepare drawings and calculations to the requirements you give us for the authority. Submission and approval stay with your registered consultant.
Do you model the luminaires in Revit as well?
Yes. We build the lighting in your Revit template and coordinate it with the ceiling and the other services, following your BIM execution plan.
Which units and supply do you work to?
Metric units, and the supply voltage and frequency of the country the project is in, taken from your brief.
Does your working day overlap the Gulf?
Yes. The Gulf is close to our working day, so we work your hours and answer questions the same day.
SYMATEQ provides Revit modelling, lighting and photometric analysis, electrical design support and drafting for projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the wider Gulf, in your templates and to the requirements you supply.
See design assist and modelling for the Middle East, electrical design assist, or send us a job.