Lighting design is a form of art and business that involves the use of lighting in architecture. Lighting designers are responsible for the development of the lighting scheme for a project. They are responsible for the overall visual effects of the light and its influence on the architectural forms of the building. The lighting scheme is determined by a number of factors, including the architectural orientation, general standards, regulations and the use of the space.

What are the four functions of lighting design?

Light designers manipulate the color, intensity, distribution and controllable qualities of light to achieve desired outcomes. Creating a mood and atmosphere on stage and creating a visual representation of a place are common goals of lighting design. Find out more

The quality of the light in a space has a profound impact on people’s sense of safety. It has also been found to affect wayfinding, retail sales and the productivity of office workers.

In addition to the aesthetic value of lighting, it also has the potential to save energy. The Energy Information Administration estimates that electricity used in commercial buildings in the United States reached 297 billion kWh in 2010. This is a substantial amount, considering that most commercial building occupancy occurs during the daylight hours.

In a well-designed lighting scheme, different intensities of light can be layered to support a wide range of space requirements. For example, accent lighting can draw attention to artwork or a particular architectural feature.

Directional light, on the other hand, provides precise control over what is lighted. A recessed “can” can provide a soft downward glow.