In recent years, the lighting industry has experienced significant technological advancements, transforming the landscape of lighting design. We discussed this transformation with Julia Hartmann, Founder and Creative Director at lightsphere and asked her the question: What constitutes a good lighting design in 2024?
If we look back at the past two decades, the lighting industry has undergone massive changes. Not only has the controllability and technology evolved, but we have also seen a shift from conventional light sources to LED.
— LED was a game-changer. It opened the door for new opportunities to create innovative products because we suddenly had a new tool, a new source of light. This also caused the product range to expand. Suddenly, fixtures became smaller and more minimalistic, while new technology made it possible to create more dynamic and flexible solutions than ever before, Julia Hartmann says, continuing:
— The shift to LED also made the lighting industry realize that you can’t just copy and paste solutions. You can't just make a new light source fit into the existing structure – you must change the structure as well. So, the complexity of lighting design has increased, underscoring the necessity of our expertise. Lighting design is a specialised discipline that complements architecture and enhances the built environment. While architects excel in creating spaces, the integration of advanced lighting solutions requires the unique skills of professional lighting designers. With the advent of new technologies and the expanding possibilities they bring, the role of a lighting designer has become indispensable in ensuring a harmonious and innovative design approach for any project.
The evolution of lighting over the past 15 years has been a vital asset for Julia Hartmann and her peers, providing a much more diverse starting point. The process of lighting design has become more sophisticated, making the definition of a good lighting design more multifaceted. Julia Hartmann believes that successful lighting design hinges on two critical factors: attention to detail and the use of layers.
It's All About The Details
If you ask Julia Hartmann, a good lighting design begins with a comprehensive analysis of the project. Although it may sound straightforward, many questions need to be answered:
— You need to ask yourself what kind of project you’re dealing with. Are there any special requests and requirements? Is it a private or public building? How is the space? Is it an interior or exterior one? What kind of environment are we in? How are the surroundings? What cultural aspects do we have to consider? Who are we creating this project for? Who are the daily users? There are many questions you need to answer before you can initiate the project, she explains.
To ensure an effective lighting solution, lighting designers need to engage with the users of the space and gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Once you have gathered information about the space, the social and cultural context, its functions, and its users, the design process can commence.
— With all the details in place, you can create a design language and usability structure. Then, you can start selecting the style of the fixtures and luminaires, and determine the controls and connectivity, she adds.
Lighting In Layers
A detailed analysis forms the basis of the design's language and structure. However, when illuminating a space, it is necessary to think in layers, as a good lighting design involves multiple layers that work together harmoniously.
— Illuminating a space with only one layer of light might provide general lighting, accent lighting or decorative lighting. However, a good lighting design combines at least two of these layers and, ideally incorporates all three. General lighting is essential to illuminate the space, but accent lighting can highlight specific areas or support particular functions. Additionally, decorative lighting adds an aesthetic touch. These three layers, combined in a composition tailored to the space and its use, ensure a good design, says Julia Hartmann before concluding:
— It goes without saying that the position and number of luminaires are defined by the initial analysis. These elements are applicable to any project. It is crucial to understand the environment, the client, and the intended use of the space when designing lighting for any setting, whether it be a private residence, a school building, or a park. Once the design language has been selected, the next step is to structure the layers and positioning of the lighting.
Lighting design is a holistic approach, integrating design, engineering, biology, physics, and psychology. By considering the atmosphere, perception, and well-being of the users, lighting designers can create environments that are not only functional but also enhance the overall experience.