How the h*ll should I know?

Er/jer

So I was just given the task of deciding on what type of lighting we should put in our hallways in our new building.  Something that would highlight whatever signage, pictures, artwork may be on the walls (specifics as yet unknown) but provide sufficient lighting for people walking through the halls.

Now, I'm no Interior Designer, nor am I a lighting expert, so why the h*ll are you asking me? Apparently the architects are wondering to plan for what type of electrical to run through the ceilngs.  Aren't they the ones who should be helping to answer this question?

My first thought was to stay away from the horrible box fluorescent lights in most offices.  I really hate those things.  But, maybe that's best?  Does anyone know anything about lighting?

I'm thinking maybe track lighting, or downlights (but I have no idea if these would give off enough light).  And I'm supposed to write up something about what kind we should use, and why.  WTF?

colleenmclaughlin1

Um, wow.  Please tell me this is not due before you go away for the holidays.

Er/jer

No - they want it the day I return from the holidays.  On the 4th.  So basically I have the next 20 minutes, tomorrow, and probably the morning of the 4th.  Love it.

dreamalotmp

What the shizz? I dont' know anything about office lighting. I like lamps. :P

hey_its_jenn

I had a friend from high school go to school for lighting, mainly he does stage lighting for theater.  I can see if I can get his email address for you?  Not sure if he can help but he's the only lighting person I know... haha.

Er/jer

Thanks Jenn - not sure that'd be the same thing.

 I figure I'll give them some BS, and they can roll with it however they want.  They're fault for asking me to do it.

LaFemmeRousse

I am not helpful, but that is really annoying.  Is there any way you can say no to the task? 

I randomly vote for track lighting because I think it's the prettiest

KRMac

OMG.  Seriously, I can not stand requests like this from work.  My boss asked me where (locally) to get something framed for our conference room.  Um, how should I know?  I've lived in this area for a year and a half and the only place I've ever had anything framed was Michaels. 

Track lighting would highlight work on the walls, but I agree...not sure it would provide enough light for the hallway itself. 

daveys_baby

Erica, I work for an electrical contractor, if you need someone to install I can give you their number. 
If LED lighting is in the budget, you might want to look into that because it saves so much on utilities if your company will be at that location (after a few years it pays for itself).  I agree, I 'd stay away from your typical flourescents.  Track lighting sounds like a good idea because you could angle and move it to shine on whatever is put on the walls.
Good luck with this wacky request!

New_to_PGH

I don't know much about office lighting, but also throw in my fairly useless vote for LEDs and track lighting over the typical office flourecent.

Er/jer

Thanks!  Jamie - I don't think they've started bidding out the jobs yet, and I have absolutely nothing to do with the process. Another reason why I have no idea why they asked me to do this.

Thanks for the LED / track lighting reqs!!