Lighting design

Last updated
Dramatic daylighting inside Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, Dhaka Sangshad inside.jpg
Dramatic daylighting inside Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, Dhaka

Lighting design is essentially the careful design of lighting systems to meet specific objectives and requirements. [1] Lighting systems can include electric lighting, daylighting, or both, as well as any associated controls. [2] [3] Support for human vision, health, mood, and entertainment are common examples of lighting design objectives. Requirements can be quantitative (e.g., minimum illuminance) or qualitative (e.g., low discomfort glare).

Contents

There are two basic types of lighting design practitioners, albeit with some overlap between these disciplines: architectural lighting designers and stage lighting designers. [4] This is illustrated in the respective scope of their professional societies. For example:

Architectural lighting

Although the effects of architectural lighting are often dynamic (e.g., due to automated dimming or color changing), the installed lighting systems are generally fixed in place. Specialties within architectural lighting include different methods and applications of indoor (e.g., daylighting, healthcare lighting) and outdoor (e.g., landscape lighting, roadway lighting) illumination.

Set, stage, and theatrical lighting

Lighting at the 2005 Classical Spectacular Concert Classical spectacular10.jpg
Lighting at the 2005 Classical Spectacular Concert

Stage lighting design covers a wide array of events including stage plays and musicals, dance, opera, concerts, sporting events, and corporate launches.

In theatre, a lighting designer (or LD) works with the director, choreographer, set designer, costume designer, and sound designer to create the lighting, atmosphere, and time of day for the production in response to the text while keeping in mind issues of visibility, safety, and cost. The LD also works closely with the stage manager or show control programming, if show control systems are used in that production.

An LD of a pop tour may work directly the band and production manager, and at larger scales they may work with other creative directors and designers, while at smaller scales they may also be responsible for programming and light board operation. LDs work with master electricians to implement their designs.

In film, television, and video production, gaffers and lighting technicians work with the cinematographer or director of photography to light scenes for the camera.

See also

References

  1. ↑ IALD/LIRC Guidelines for Specification Integrity (Pilot Edition) (PDF). International Association of Lighting Designers. 2017. pp. 20–21. Retrieved 30 Dec 2025.
  2. ↑ e-ILV, online version of CIE S 017:2020, International Lighting Vocabulary (2 ed.). Vienna: International Commission on Illumination. 2020. §17-27-010, lighting system. Retrieved 30 Dec 2025.
  3. ↑ "Electric Lighting Controls". Whole Building Design Guide. National Institute of Building Sciences . Retrieved 30 Dec 2025.
  4. ↑ IALD Professional Application Process (PDF). International Association of Lighting Designers. Feb 2020. p. 4. Retrieved 29 Dec 2025.
  5. ↑ "Joining the IALD". iald.org. International Association of Lighting Designers . Retrieved 28 Dec 2025.
  6. ↑ "The IALD International Lighting Design Awards". iald.org. International Association of Lighting Designers . Retrieved 28 Dec 2025.
  7. ↑ "Student Support Programs". iald.org. International Association of Lighting Designers . Retrieved 28 Dec 2025.
  8. ↑ "About PLASA". plasa.org. Professional Lighting and Sound Association . Retrieved 28 Dec 2025.
  9. ↑ "About". lsionline.com. PLASA Media Ltd. Retrieved 28 Dec 2025.
  10. ↑ "The LIT Lighting Design Awards opens for entries". Light & Sound International (LSi). PLASA Media Ltd. 10 Feb 2023. Retrieved 29 Dec 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.