Objective
This proposal attempts to develop a prototype system for an integrated artificial light/daylight system for illuminating buildings to minimise heat gain (hence reducing cooling costs) and provide substitution for artificial light whenever possible using fibre optics. Fibre optic systems have the potential of introducing daylight into deep buildings where present technology, windows and innovative systems incorporated into glazing cannot. Fibre optics is often referred to in the lighting industry as a black art. Its development has often been by lighting "artisans" rather than scientists and engineers. Few measurements have been made and some of the light fittings developed are more reminiscent of plumbing systems. Greater understanding of the characteristics of the system are necessary to produce solutions with more public acceptability than as used for a lighting special effect.