What Is Architectural Lighting Design? How Can You Use It?
Lighting is an important part of a building’s architecture. It lights up the building for everyone to see and draws the eyes to its interesting features. It can even enhance how someone perceives the design and layout of the space. And, with the increasing importance of more efficient ways to create the said effect, there is a growing demand for a specific approach known as architectural lighting design.
What is architectural lighting design?
Architectural lighting design is the combination of architecture and lighting to provide adequate visibility and create appeal for a space. Although this can be said for almost any lighting system aiming to increase appeal, not all lighting systems use this approach.
A lighting system requires three elements to be considered as architectural lighting design – aesthetics, efficiency, and functionality. It should add appeal while also providing functional benefits like ambient, safety, or security lighting to an area. The design should also use the least amount of light fixtures while also maximizing the effectiveness of each fixture used.
Architectural lighting can be implemented through either sunlight or electric lighting. Architectural lighting from natural light sources will have a more involved design process, possibly from the start of the conceptualization of the structure’s design. On the other hand, architectural lighting design from electric lighting only requires the right planning and installation of light fixtures to create the desired effect.
How You Can Apply Architectural Lighting Design Outdoors
When you do a quick search for it on the internet, you will most likely see indoor examples of architectural lighting design. But it is easier to apply architectural lighting to outdoor areas. This is due to indoor applications requiring structural and layout considerations that might require some renovations in a building. On the other hand, the outdoor application is easily done by simply using what is already present on the exterior of the building.
Here are some lighting techniques to apply architectural lighting design outdoors:
01
Wash lighting
This is achieved by shining diffused light on a wall. This gives the wall a smoother look and creates a more spacious feel for the area. The light pointed at the wall provides indirect and subtle ambient lighting for the area. This soft glow is often enough for the general lighting of paths and lawns.
02
Grazing
Instead of creating a smooth and flat look on a wall, grazing accentuates the texture of the subject’s surface. This is a great way to create a unique look for carvings, statues, and brick or stone walls at night. Like wash lighting, the immediate area receives soft illumination from light bouncing off the wall.
03
Moonlighting
As the name implies, it creates a lighting effect similar to how moonlight would look in your garden. This is done by placing a floodlight emitting diffused lighting above or within a tree. The light then creates shadows and soft lighting on the lawn while also illuminating the area.
04
Linear lighting
With their clean look and wide range of possible uses, linear lights are a favorite for architectural lighting. When mounted overhead, it can provide even illumination for ambient lighting. On the other hand, when placed in lower places, it creates an illusion as if the structure above it is floating. You can use linear lights for ambient lighting, step lighting, and accent lighting.
05
Accent lighting
As a rule, accent lighting should at least have three times the brightness of the ambient lighting around it. You can expect this bright light to bounce off the accentuated feature and provide indirect illumination around it. This reflected light is often used to light pathways and stairs, and to provide ambient lighting.
06
Uplighting
Uplighting is a lighting method wherein a light fixture directs the light upwards. You can use this to create a lighting effect for a room’s corner, a sculpture, or a wall while also illuminating its surroundings. This is often used outdoors to accentuate large furniture or decorations while providing a soft light around them.
Contact Us!
If you’re looking for a top-quality, low-maintenance outdoor lighting system in Nashville, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Nashville Outdoor Lighting Systems, we pride ourselves on our customer service and high-quality products. We offer a free consultation to help you determine what kind of system would best suit your needs, and our team of experts will work with you to install it quickly and efficiently. Plus, our systems are backed by a five-year warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment is protected. What are you waiting for? Schedule your free consultation today!
