Development of integrated ceiling systems

Abstract

The world wide energy crisis indicates the need to examine more critically the consumption of energy by building services. The integrated environmental design (IED) approach to building design has much to offer since one of its purposes is to save energy. One of the elements in IED is the integrated ceiling system which can provide lighting, air-diffusion, sound control and fire protection. The paper examines the development of these systems and the standards to which individual components and assembled systems must be tested. The use of high intensity discharge lamps and luminaires for lighting and air-handling is discussed and the behaviour of the ceiling with negative pressure plenums, and the diffusion of conditioned air from ceilings having shaped or offered contours are also considered.