Architectural Lighting Part II

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What is lighting? Isn’t ‘lighting’ merely illumination of a particular space? If that’s the case, why is lighting design often considered a must-have skill for 21st Century architects? Perhaps lighting is more than just illumination. Perhaps architecture and lighting design are forging a relationship that will see the former swallow the latter and spit out some sort of rogue brand of design architect.

Architecture is about creating order, building shelter and choosing designs and materials that best allow a structure to be experienced. Where does lighting fit in to that equation? I think these questions beg one more: If lighting is about illumination and architecture is about structures, does ‘architectural lighting’ truly exist or is lighting something that should be left to facilities managers and MEP professionals?

MEA sat down with several of the Middle East’s top lighting manufacturers
and designers to explore the issue of architectural lighting and to determine whether or not light can help architects to do their jobs better. It might be best to take these questions one-by-one.

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To answer this question, it is crucial to first address the implied assumption that there exists a fundamental relationship between lighting and architecture. For Gary Turner, general manager of Fagerhult Lighting in Dubai and Henrik Clausen, director of Fagerhult’s Lighting Academy in Copenhagen, the answer to that question is a foregone conclusion.

“Lighting, with regard to architecture, is fascinating,” explains Turner. “People from similar backgrounds can walk into a space and perceive totally different visuals and feel very different emotions, all because of the impact of light.”

Turner & Clausen consider the Middle East a unique environment where – due to the larger-than-life profile and publicity of some projects – lighting designers, architects, contractors and developers have no choice but to collaborate. “The lighting has to be created in close cooperation with the architect who designs the building. Essentially, the lighting design should build upon the architect’s vision of the look, form and function of the building.”

More than just the necessity of collaboration, however, Gabriel Abdelhakmi, marketing manager for Zumtobel Group MENA, believes light and architecture are connected on a deeper, more ethereal, level. “With integral lighting solutions, Zumtobel creates lighting scenes which enable people to experience the interplay of light and architecture in all its diversity. Light unfolds its special creative power [as it] interplays with space and architectural form.”

“It is only through the thoughtful use of light that a structure or space is really experienced,” agrees Richard Holmes, business development director, and Sergio Padula, light planning manager, both of iGuzzini. “Aesthetic lighting creates ambience and atmosphere; functionally speaking, [lighting] increases user security and well being.”

The point that Holmes, Padula and Abdelhakmi make is not dissimilar from that which is made throughout the ranks of lighting designers and manufacturers the world over. The fact is, some of the most iconic architecture in the world is defined by its nocturnal aesthetic, thanks to the beauty and complexity of an intricate lighting scheme.

“Quality internal lighting promotes health, increases productivity and ensures accuracy in the workplace, whilst exterior lighting accentuates architectural elements, which may otherwise be lost come nightfall. Whether internal or external, lighting creates an energy that enhances identity and evokes emotion in the observer,” explain Holmes & Padula.

To be sure, some of the world’s best examples of quality lighting can be found in the Middle East.

“Locally I would give the example of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi; whenever I pass that building in the day I feel very humbled, I get a sense of my place in this world,” explains Chris Rimmer, business development manager for Targetti Poulsen. “But, every time I pass it at night, I feel the sensation of wonder. My experience of the building changes from one scene to another…through the addition of lighting.”

Going back to the initial question of whether a fundamental relationship exists between lighting and architecture, the answer would seem to be a resounding affirmation. While the role it enjoys may vary, it is clear that lighting plays a role and that role is crucial.

Raman Krishnan, regional manager of Lighting Design Alliance, sums up: “If architecture is the art of conceiving forms, architectural lighting is the art of using light to enhance these forms. Light has a direct impact on how building interiors and exteriors are designed. It influences the form of spaces and the materials of which they are made.”

Where are the ‘light architects’?

So, it’s safe to assume that lighting and architecture are intimately connected. But, if so, why – naysayers and purists might agree –don’t architecture firms employ ‘lighting architects’ whose sole responsibility is to ensure the perfect integration of illumination and form?

Rimmer’s answer is one of specialization and practicality: “Maybe we should consider why architectural practises don’t employ structural engineers, building services engineers or vertical transportation consultants? Each of these disciplines, along with many others all contribute to architecture…yet they tend to stand alone as specialist companies whose services are used when required.