A useful lighting comparison begins with the target and mounting geometry. Beam Studio helps bring those questions together before a product shortlist becomes a specification.
Two floodlights can look similar in a catalogue and behave quite differently on a building. The target surface, optical distribution and mounting position all affect what reaches the architecture. A useful comparison brings those factors together rather than beginning with wattage alone.
Beam Studio is Modaluce's workspace for investigating architectural lighting options against a defined scenario. It brings surface geometry, fitting choices and available measured photometry into a concept-selection process. Its role is to help a project team ask better questions and build a more informed shortlist.
Start with the surface you are lighting
Describe the target before choosing a fitting. A wall and a round column present different geometric problems. Record the relevant dimensions and identify the area that matters: the full elevation, a particular vertical element or a smaller architectural detail.
Use dimensions from the project information where available. If you are exploring an early concept, make the assumptions explicit. A comparison based on a convenient example size should not quietly become the basis of the final schedule.
Also consider the surrounding views. A useful result on the target does not, by itself, resolve source visibility, neighbouring windows or the way people approach the building.
Set the mounting geometry deliberately
Mounting height, setback and aim belong in the same discussion as the optic. A narrow distribution from one location may be useful, while the same fitting from another location may leave the intended surface uneven or illuminate an unintended area.
Enter the geometry you actually want to investigate. When comparing candidates, keep the target and mounting assumptions consistent unless the purpose of the exercise is to compare different mounting strategies. Otherwise it becomes difficult to tell whether a change comes from the fitting or from a changed arrangement.
The existing article on narrow-beam floodlights, throw and aiming explains why a nominal beam angle is only part of this decision.
Compare the evidence available for each candidate
Beam Studio uses available verified IES photometric data in its measured-photometry workflow. That does not make every catalogue model or operating state interchangeable. Check the identity of the fitting and the optical variant represented by the data.
Read the results alongside the scenario inputs and the criteria used for the comparison. A ranked candidate is a response to those inputs, not a universal recommendation for the site. Colour states, surface properties and installation constraints may introduce additional questions that the comparison has not resolved.
If the required model, optic or evidence is unavailable, do not substitute a similar code and treat the result as equivalent. The guide to IES and LDT files provides a useful evidence checklist.
Change one assumption at a time
For an early façade study, begin with one recorded target and mounting arrangement. Compare the suitable candidates, then investigate a deliberate change in setback, aim or fitting quantity where the workflow supports it.
Keep a simple record of what changed and why. This makes a discussion with a designer, electrical consultant or supplier more useful than sharing an isolated screen image with no explanation of its inputs.
A preview can help communicate the concept, but it is not a substitute for checking the underlying data and the project model.
Take a shortlist forward, not an automatic approval
Where the selected fitting can be opened in Scene Studio, use that next step to investigate its position and appearance in context. Preserve the model and variant identity, and check that the receiving workspace has the information you expect.
Before procurement, confirm the exact product options, mounting arrangement, controls, installation conditions and project requirements. Beam Studio does not turn a concept comparison into site-specific compliance or engineering approval.
Use the commercial lighting specification checklist to organise the remaining questions. If the evidence or geometry needs closer review, discuss the project with Modaluce and bring the target dimensions, mounting assumptions and candidate fitting details.
