The Value of Lighting in
Architecture
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Light defines what we
see. Quality Lighting is
essential to quality of
life.
Institute of Peace
Illumination Award winner Special Citation for Cohesive
Design of Light Enhancing Architecture 2012
Lighting Design: “Glenn Heinmiller/Lam Partners”
Architect: Safdie Architects
Photo: Bill Fitzpatrick
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Vision
The more visible the
task, the more
efficiently,
accurately and safely
we perform them
Photo: Eunice Noell-Waggoner
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Visual Comfort
• Good lighting provides
sufficient light levels
without glare.
• Visual acuity declines with
age. As individual age,
their eyes generally need
more light, but without
glare.
Photo: Eunice Noell-Waggoner
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Modeling
• Light and shadow
are tools that
lighting designers
use to make faces,
objects and spaces
more visible or
attractive.
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Composition
• Within spaces, patterns
of light convey vital
information to people,
such as scale, function
and way finding.
• Light patterns can
articulate architecture
and reinforce mood
and atmosphere
Immaculata Church
Edwin F. Guth Award for Interior Design Lighting
Illumination awards 2012
Lighting Design: “Ron Neal Lighting Design”
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Color
• Color of light (e.g.,
“warm”, “neutral, or
“cool”) can affect
how we perceive
faces, objects, and
surfaces.
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Health
• Poor lighting (e.g. glare,
flicker, extreme contrast
ratios, brightness too
high or low) may
negatively affect work
productivity and general
health and well-being
(eyestrain, headaches,
tension).
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Safety
It can also fail to
illuminate hazards
such as corners and
tables.
The Value of Lighting in Architecture
Energy
Considerations
• New Lighting
technologies help
reduce energy
consumption.
• Examples: energy
efficient LEDs, lighting
controls, and the use of
daylighting.
• Also longer life
fluorescents, improved
luminare optics etc.
How IES benefits Architects
•IES is the leading organization in
developing standards and
recommended practices for
lighting in North America
•Provides a forum for objective
evaluation of quality lighting and
energy efficiency.
•-September 11th National Memorial- Fisher Marantz Stone,
Lighting Designer IES Illumination Award- Award of
Distinction 2012
Photo: Sam Fontanez
IES Documents Help Architects
Facilitate communication
with clients and product
manufacturers
• Provide a common reference for
defining lighting quality and quantity
Apply to a wide range of
lighting applications
• From museums, sports arenas,
theatres, roadways, commercial
buildings, manufacturing and retail
stores to hospitals
IES Documents Help Architects
Provide guidance on
achieving energy efficiency
and sustainability
• Including Daylighting
• Periodic revision cycles to remain current
and relevant
Establish testing
procedures for
manufacturers and
photometric labs
• Lighting products, complying with IES
guidelines, provide assurance to architects
and support their recommendations to
clients
How IES Activities Help Architects
Offers continuing education
classes that are recognized
for credit by the AIA.
Section meetings offer
opportunities to learn and
network.