Designing with light

It is light that first enables spatial perception. Above and beyond this, our perception of architecture can also be influenced with light: it expands and accentuates rooms, creates links and delineates one area from another.

The planning process provides an overview of the sequence of the individual tasks in lighting design. This process is closely linked with the planning procedure for an architectural design. The findings of the analysis are firstly channelled into the concept planning and are then finalised for implementation in the design. In addition, maintenance schedules are a prerequisite for maintaining the quality of light on site.

Having completed the project analysis and developed a lighting concept, the next phase entails practical planning: decisions regarding the lamps and luminaires to be used, the arrangement and installation of the luminaires. A detailed design can be developed from a concept based primarily on lighting qualities.

Representing lighting installations and their lighting effects in architecture plays a key role in lighting design. The range of representations includes the whole gamut from technically oriented ceiling plans to graphic illustrations of varying complexity to computer-calculated room representations and three-dimensional models of architecture or lighting installations. Skilled lighting designers use ceiling plans and diagrams to derive a realistic idea of the lighting effects achieved. Others in the planning process with less expertise have to rely on visual representations and technical specifications.