Kristina Santi
Credit: Interface Engineering
I recently attended my first IALD conference with designers from all over the world. I quickly noticed that there were two very different perspectives on how to approach lighting design. There is the technical approach; lighting is luminous flux emitted from a source that directs illuminance onto a surface or task plane. Then there is the more artistic approach—layering lighting and painting areas with light balanced with darkness based on end-user needs. It made me think, Which approach is best? Which one does our industry value more than the other? What other factors are important as a lighting designer?
Many of the discussions I had centered around “right-brain” versus “left-brain” thinkers. Leftbrain activation involves logical, factual and science-based facts and information. Left-brain thinkers were considered to be scientists, electrical engineers and those that deal with codes, facts and science. The thought is that one side is stronger than the other, but, scientifically speaking, that is not the case. Instead, each side is more or less responsible for certain roles or areas of focus.
“Illumination can invoke a feeling that is not measurable by any formula”
Coming from an electrical engineering background, I had been trained to exercise my left brain more than my right. Electrical engineers have to think about what code is mandated and if we have too many watts per sq ft or not enough lumens to meet egress levels. We had the responsibility of providing enough light for clients to use the space and fire marshals to find no issues while checking the footcandles in the corner of an elevator control room. But I always wanted to provide more and exercise my right brain wherever possible.
Now as a full-time lighting designer, I still carry those left-brain ideals but have been expanding and nurturing my creative side. In one of the IALD sessions, there was a designer with an engineering background who asked the speaker, “So, how many footcandles did you light the sculpture to?” The speaker paused thoughtfully, and answered, “We don’t do it like that.” (They mock-up the lights in the field and adjust them before setting the locations and intensity.)
Lighting design is certainly more than just fc and watts per sq ft. Lighting can be a way to transport people to other places. Whether it be through shadows and mood setting, projections of light patterns, color and intensity, illumination can invoke a feeling that is not measurable by any formula. We can use light to highlight some areas and hide others. It can create dimension and texture. Even a simple distinction between wall washing and wall grazing can produce an entirely different space. For example, I worked on a prototype for a residential project where the efficiency of some of the luminaires proved to be less than expected. Along with dark finishes that were added, the space looked one-dimensional and cave-like. In the final design, we added uplighting to the wooden-beam pitched ceiling, which totally transformed the space. The rooms then looked taller with the ceilings highlighted.
Another significant aspect of being an effective lighting designer is the ability to guide the client and owner in the right direction. Lighting is objective, and designers have varying opinions and preferences. Sometimes the direction of the design team will not match that of the owner, and it is up to us to corral the varying viewpoints and come to a common agreement so that all parties are happy with the final product. Recently, while working on a design build project, our team received input from the design build contractor, architect and interior designer that proved to be challenging. The design build contractor team was budget conscious, whereas the interior designer wanted to add pendants to give an additional layer of light to create a residential feel. We were able to use more budget-friendly versions and combine the lighting and furniture, fixture and equipment budgets to allow for additional lighting. We also agreed to a single sourced lighting package. Learning to find that balance is important.
Then there’s every lighting designer’s worst nightmare, those two little letters—VE (value engineering)! We have spent so much time and effort selecting the best luminaires for the project, and VE commands we must consider alternates. It would be easy to disregard their notes, but we need to work together to find common ground. We must keep the project on budget when at all possible. Maybe we can sacrifice lighting within the back-of-house areas and let common areas shine. Sometimes we can negotiate with our lighting vendors to keep to spec, especially if large quantities are involved. We have to fight for our design and the quality of the fixtures we have selected. The client will be thankful for that in the years to come, not only for maintenance but for quality of light. A luminaire may look equivalent on paper, but how do we quantify the glare, color over angle and optical quality if none of those values are on the cutsheet? Knowing your luminaires and witnessing their performance in person is vital.
Even after navigating all of these steps, our design can still go awry after installation with lighting control issues. I have had to solve a few noticeable flickering issues on site with dimming modules that were a reverse-phase dimming type and connected to magnetic lowvoltage and forward-phase lighting drivers. To solve this issue, we had to reorder replacement drivers. In this case, we didn’t have a submittal, and this is why it is so important to review lighting and control submittals side-by-side.
Whether you are a lighting designer or an engineer designing lighting, it is important to understand and coordinate your lighting controls with your lighting—this is where the creative right-brain thinkers can sometimes struggle. Controls can be quite daunting. There are so many different manufacturers on the market and while there are some commonalities, every manufacturer does something a little different. Lighting controls manufacturers had previously updated their systems every six months, so keeping specs and general details up-to-date was quite a task. These days, the major controls players have slowed down development since wireless was introduced, but we still need to keep on top of our game. We should be ensuring that the control devices are compatible with the dimming protocols and lighting is controlled in zones or scenes as was envisioned. Care must be taken to select a system that best suits the application and installation methods involved.
Finally, there is sustainability. Have the products specified contain a low carbon footprint? The only real way for us as specifiers to know is to review a Declare listing on the product cutsheet or request a life cycle analysis. Another sustainability method is using luminaires with replaceable parts that are easy to maintain. There are still luminaires on the market that need to be completely replaced when the LED fails rather than replacing the LED board or driver. We need to urge manufacturers to clearly indicate replaceable parts and Declare labels on their product cutsheets for transparency. Lighting designers must provide lighting where it is needed and balance out the areas where it isn’t to keep energy usage down. Controls also play a big part in energy savings and ensuring lights are Off when no one is using the space.
Is a right-brain approach better than a left-brain one? In reality, both sides work together, and stronger skills result from the two hemispheres working well. As we continue to gain experience and grow right-brain and left-brain skills over time, there is always room for improvement and education. Learning from those who have been there before us and gaining insight through sharing experiences is a must. A good lighting designer is a well-rounded individual who can use both logic and creativity, while harnessing knowledge and other skills, to make the best decisions for each project.
Kristina Santi, LC, IALD, is associate principal, senior lighting designer at Interface Engineering.