Whether you are lighting a new facility or retrofitting an existing multipurpose area, here are factors to consider. In illuminating the facility, the light had to be bright enough for sports, yet capable of being controlled for other activities. If just half a basketball court is in use, the facility manager wanted the ability to light only that area. In applications such as this, high vertical footcandles are needed so that players in a basketball or volleyball game can see the ball as it approaches. Dark areas and shadows must also be eliminated.
Glare can also be a problem if the light is provided directly from one source.
Uplight, which is a form of indirect illumination, not only helps eliminate glare but promotes uniformity by reducing the contrast between the lighting source and the surrounding area. Without uplight, you may have an appropriate amount of light on the surfaces near the floor, but the ceiling may appear dark and cavernous. Two different lighting systems may provide the same quantity of horizontal illuminance at three feet above the floor, but a system with uplight improves the luminance of the ceiling and vertical surfaces. The glass reflector provides illumination in every direction, so there are no hot spots. Types of sources.