The design does more than establish a distinct architectural identity. It preserves and enhances the essential spiritual ambience. Interconnecting stairways guide movement across levels, while seamlessly integrated channels of light and ventilation ensure the space remains both functional and contemplative. Traditional perforated jaali elements introduce a timeless Islamic character, softening the starkness of concrete. The main prayer halls, set against engraved concrete backdrops of sacred inscriptions, evoke a quiet sense of reverence.

Altogether, it is a work that invites admiration – where architectural expression and spiritual essence co-exist with clarity and purpose.

Backstory:

It was a privilege to be part of this project—shaping a lighting approach that celebrates the architecture while creating a serene, contemplative backdrop for its true purpose: prayer. We specialize in projects with distinct purpose and sensitivity—spaces rooted in spiritual significance, heritage value, museums, and educational environments, this project gave us an opportunity to deliver – Thanks to the Architect & Client team for trusting us.

Like any project, it came with its challenges. The primary constraint was working with pre-existing electrical points, as the project was already nearing completion. This naturally limited flexibility in achieving the ideal lighting composition. The second was a compressed timeline—critical when it comes to delivering fixtures that truly align with and support the design intent.

We firmly believe that a good concept may define 50% of a project story, but execution accounts for the remaining 50%. It demands precise coordination—bringing together the right manufacturers, suppliers, installation teams, electrical planning, and on-site implementation. When these elements align, they don’t just support the concept—they elevate it. We’re glad to see these critical aspects have come together seamlessly, with the experienced Bright District team executing the project with clarity and efficiency.

From Unseen Heavens Descends the Nur

Lighting Concept: Nūr (Light as Essence)

Nūr / Noor—the source of existence and a central idea in Islamic spiritual philosophy—forms the core of Noori Masjid. The architectural style first expresses this through daylight, where light enters, transforms, and animates the space.

Our lighting intent was to extend this experience beyond sunset. Instead of adding light, we sought to recreate the behaviour of daylight—allowing light to gently permeate the structure. Indirect sources were carefully integrated to “breathe” light into the concrete, making the mass feel lighter while preserving its strength and resonate calm spiritual presence.

The design moves away from conventional, fixture-driven illumination. Rather than introducing glare or competing with the architecture, light is directed away from the user—revealing textures, enhancing depth, and celebrating form. Beams and jaali elements are subtly accentuated to reflect and diffuse light within, while also enriching the exterior expression—limiting the need for elaborate additional façade lighting.

At its core, the concept is simple yet powerful: to let light behave as it naturally does—quiet, directional, and transformative—just like the sun. In Islamic thought, light is not an object—it is presence, guidance, and revelation. The design translates this philosophy into space, where light is allowed to emerge, filter, and transform rather than simply illuminate.

Concept to Execution Process

Every project deliberation begins with a series of abstract sketches that articulate our initial lighting intent across different facets of the design. This stage is crucial—it allows us to intuitively understand the architectural language, study how light can interact with surfaces, volumes, and textures, and envision how multiple layers of light can come together to create a cohesive ambience that supports both function and experience.

These early ideas are then translated into detailed simulations using advanced lighting software. Here, the concept is tested against technical realities—evaluating light levels, distribution, fixture performance, and spatial impact. This phase helps us identify site-specific challenges early on, including fixture positioning, aiming angles, integration constraints, and precise technical specifications required for execution.

What ensures the strength of this process is continuous collaboration. We work closely with the architectural team and clients at every stage, aligning design intent with practical feasibility. This integrated approach enables us to carry the concept forward seamlessly—from abstract vision to on-site realization—without losing its essence.

The outcome is a thoughtfully curated lighting environment that not only enhances the architectural character of the space but also elevates its inherent sense of sacredness. Every layer of illumination works in harmony with the built form—accentuating volumes, revealing textures, and guiding visual focus—while fostering a serene and contemplative ambience. The interplay of light and shadow enriches the spatial experience, creating a setting that resonates with both aesthetic refinement and spiritual depth.

Sivasankar is a lighting consultant at Space Lumens with a Master’s in Architectural Lighting from the University of Wismar, Germany.  He specializes in heritage lighting and holds a Certified European Lighting Expert qualification, backed by 10 years of experience across various lighting design projects.

The origins of illuminating the cathedral date back to 1838, when Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV announced a visit to Cologne. In his honor, the still-incomplete Gothic structure—then nearly six centuries into construction—was illuminated for the first time. The gesture proved impactful; four years later, as king, he laid the foundation stone to resume construction. Although, the cathedral was eventually completed, it was not until 1929, under Mayor Konrad Adenauer, that a permanent lighting system was introduced, transforming its iconic twin towers into a defining feature of Cologne’s nighttime skyline.

The cultural and symbolic importance of this illumination became especially evident in the summer of 2022, when lighting for public buildings—including the cathedral—was turned off due to the energy crisis triggered by Russia-Ukraine War. By that time, however, Licht Kunst Licht had already begun developing a sustainable lighting solution appropriate to the cathedral’s significance. An early indication of this effort came in 2020 with the installation of the Star of Bethlehem atop the crossing tower.

Previously, the cathedral was illuminated primarily by floodlights mounted on surrounding rooftops. The outdated 1000-watt metal halide lamps consumed large amounts of energy and cast a uniform neutral white light over the entire structure. While effective in making the cathedral visible, this approach diminished architectural detail and contributed significantly to light pollution in the surrounding area.

Licht Kunst Licht approaches illumination as an integral element of architecture—a philosophy that posed unique challenges in this project. As Philipp Schmitz, lighting designer and project lead, explains, the lack of detailed architectural documentation required extensive on-site analysis. Digital simulations proved insufficient for such a complex and varied structure, leading the team to conduct years of empirical testing with optics, angles, and positioning to achieve the desired lighting effects.

Working closely with the Dombauhütte and RheinEnergie, the team developed a system of over 700 precisely positioned fixtures. These compact, glare-free luminaires were installed discreetly on or near the historic structure, remaining virtually invisible during daylight hours. Designed to blend seamlessly with the architecture, they avoid drawing attention as standalone objects.

A significant shift in lighting strategy is evident in the placement of fixtures. Whereas previously 80% of the light originated from distant sources, the new system reduces this to just 10%, dramatically improving precision and minimizing light spill. The lighting is fully dimmable, with adjustable color temperatures reaching a warm white of up to 2,700 K—harmonizing with the cathedral’s sandstone and allowing for seasonal and environmental adaptability.

Sustainability was central to the project’s design. The new system achieves an 80% reduction in energy consumption, operating at just 11,000 watts while
delivering superior visual quality. All installations are non-invasive and reversible, respecting the cathedral’s architectural integrity and its status as a living heritage site. Instead of drilling, custom clamping systems with lead-padded brackets were developed to securely mount the fixtures while protecting the historic fabric.

The lighting system is controlled from two central points—one at ground level and another within the crossing tower—as well as through remote access. This allows for flexible operation, enabling both individual and coordinated lighting scenarios.

Through the use of directional and grazing light, the design enhances the cathedral’s spatial depth and verticality. Architectural elements such as buttresses, pinnacles, and sculptural details are accentuated through a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Special emphasis has been placed on the cathedral’s 157-meter towers, where a combination of gentle backlighting and vertical grazing light highlights their striking form up to the spires. A notable innovation is the internal illumination of the towers, which shines through the delicate Gothic tracery, reinforcing the cathedral’s presence as a luminous landmark in Cologne’s nighttime skyline.

For the cathedral plaza, all stakeholders collaborated on the development of multifunctional lighting poles. These minimalist stainless-steel structures integrate seamlessly into the urban environment. Equipped with glare-free modules, they provide illumination for orientation near entrances and portals, while additional spotlights subtly highlight selected facade elements. All light sources are carefully shielded to prevent glare and preserve key sightlines.

As Philipp Schmitz reflects, the cathedral is deeply embedded in Cologne’s identity, and the goal was to preserve its presence after nightfall while revealing its architectural richness. The result is a sculptural and dignified nighttime appearance that remains visible even from across the Rhine—leading many to suggest that the cathedral now appears even more striking at night than during the day.

Client: RheinEnergie AG on behalf of the City of Cologne
Construction Management: Kölner Dombauhütte, Metropolitankapitel der Hohen Domkirche zu Köln
Electrical planning: Elektro Baeth GmbH, Cologne
Photos: HGEsch
Text: Uta Winterhager

Relocating from a co-working space into No.1 St Michael’s, the project represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth. The new workplace establishes a permanent home that balances performance with experience. The design is intentionally open, energetic and distinctly non-corporate, supporting collaboration, focused work and long-term flexibility.

Situated within one of Manchester’s most prominent commercial developments, designed by Hodder + Partners and developed by Relentless Developments, the workspace reflects the city’s evolving business landscape and the growing demand for high-quality office environments in central locations.

The 1,837 sq m office fit-out accommodates over 120 workstations alongside a wide range of collaborative, social and focused work areas. These include a central town hall space, meeting rooms, breakout zones and dedicated wellbeing facilities, supporting both individual and team-based working styles.

The design concept draws inspiration from the movement and visualisation of data, referencing Manchester’s legacy of innovation through Alan Turing and early computing. This idea is expressed through a unifying concept known as “The Pulse”, a spatial narrative that reflects how data flows, accelerates and connects.

Across the floorplate, spaces transition fluidly between high-energy collaborative zones and quieter, more focused environments. This creates a natural rhythm that mirrors the flow of information within the organisation, allowing employees to intuitively adapt their working style throughout the day. The layout is deliberately open and highly legible, with minimal visual barriers and clear sightlines across the workspace. This enhances visibility, accessibility and a sense of connection among teams.

At the core of the workplace, a multi-functional social hub anchors the floorplate. This central space serves as a daily meeting point as well as a flexible area for larger gatherings and events, reinforcing interaction and community within the office.

A full-height data screen installation further brings the concept to life by integrating real-time information into the workspace. This feature strengthens the company’s identity as a data-driven organisation while enhancing engagement and visual interest across the interior.

Technology integration is balanced with a human-centric design approach, ensuring that the environment remains intuitive, comfortable and engaging for its users.

The design also reflects both the client’s global outlook and Manchester’s distinct cultural and industrial heritage. Bespoke artwork, environmental graphics and wayfinding elements reference local innovation and pioneers, embedding a strong sense of place within the workspace.

A layered graphic language explores the idea of perception and data visualisation, revealing different meanings at varying scales. This reinforces the relationship between detail, data and the bigger picture, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the interior.

Drawing inspiration from the intricacies of early computing systems such as the Bombe machine, the design language incorporates repetition, rhythm and precision. Feature lighting and bespoke joinery elements reflect movement and connectivity, adding visual depth while supporting the overall concept.

A diverse range of flexible work settings has been incorporated to support hybrid working and evolving workplace needs. From collaborative zones to quiet focus areas and informal breakout spaces, employees are given the freedom to choose how and where they work. This approach enhances productivity, wellbeing and inclusivity, demonstrating how thoughtful workplace design can support both organisational performance and employee experience.

Sustainability has been embedded throughout the project, with a focus on long-term performance and responsible material selection. Existing building elements have been retained wherever possible to reduce waste and embodied carbon, while new materials have been selected for durability, recyclability and environmental performance. This ensures that the workplace not only meets current operational requirements but also supports future adaptability and sustainability goals.

The project reflects SpaceInvader’s approach to commercial interior design, combining strategic thinking with a strong concept-led framework to deliver high-performing workplaces. By aligning spatial design with business objectives, the scheme supports collaboration, innovation and long-term growth.

As part of Manchester’s evolving commercial landscape, the project demonstrates how considered workplace design can enhance both organisational performance and employee experience. The result is a future-ready workplace that balances performance with experience, translating complex ideas into a clear, engaging and highly functional environment.

IRiS has been rebuilt from the ground up—not updated. The platform introduces a new level of post-installation control, allowing designers to refine ceiling depth and reduce glare even after the space is complete. Light holds its intention. The ceiling stays quiet.

Field-interchangeable silicone optics transform IRiS into a platform for shaping light, not just placing it. From narrow, controlled beams to wide, immersive washes, designers can move in precise 5° increments from 8° to 70°, delivering light exactly where it belongs. Asymmetric distributions extend that control further, revealing texture, form, and architecture with clarity and restraint.

Trimless (knife-edge) options, engineered for both plaster-in and millwork applications, create a seamless, aperture-only expression. Microflange and flanged trims introduce a subtle visual edge where desired, while a curated palette of premium finishes shapes the final impression the light leaves in the space.

Architecture Sculpted from Stone

Designed by Oppenheim Architecture and commissioned by Red Sea Global, the resort’s structures are seamlessly integrated into the mountainous terrain. Some suites are carved directly into the rock face, others are suspended between dramatic gorges, while additional villas stretch along panoramic terraces that open onto expansive desert vistas.

This architectural approach blurs the boundary between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, allowing the structures to appear as natural extensions of the mountains themselves.

A Harmonious Dialogue with Nature

The development was conceived with a strong commitment to preserving the integrity of the surrounding environment. Every design decision—from material selection to construction techniques—was guided by the principle of minimizing visual and ecological impact.

The materials and finishes echo the desert’s natural chromatic palette, ensuring the resort blends effortlessly with its surroundings. During the day, natural light plays across the rugged rock surfaces, accentuating their textures and forms. As evening approaches, the resort gradually reveals a new dimension through its carefully orchestrated lighting design.

Lighting Design Inspired by the Desert

The lighting concept at Desert Rock Resort demanded a highly customized approach. Conventional lighting solutions would have disrupted the delicate balance between architecture and landscape.

Instead, every lighting decision involved a careful dialogue with the rock textures and the rarefied desert atmosphere. The aim was to integrate illumination subtly—enhancing the environment without imposing upon it.

More than 1,500 bespoke lighting fixtures have been installed across the resort. Designed as contemporary lanterns, these fixtures feature a minimalist aesthetic that blends seamlessly with both the architecture and the surrounding terrain. Beneath their understated appearance lies a sophisticated technological core, developed through close collaboration with the lighting design team.

A Bespoke Illumination Concept: Warm as a Flame

At the heart of the lighting design lies a poetic interplay between technology and atmosphere. Each lantern integrates a dual LED lighting system fully controlled through the DALI lighting control protocol, enabling precise management of brightness, ambience, and lighting scenes.

The first light source is housed within a central “candle”—a signature element of the project designed to evoke the warmth and authenticity of a real flame. Through a dedicated lighting program, the LED replicates the gentle flicker of candlelight at a 2200K color temperature, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere throughout the resort.

Balancing Functionality and Atmosphere

A second light source is discreetly integrated into the upper section of each lantern. This component directs light downward, creating a subtle yet effective path-marker illumination along walkways, stairs, and terraces.

Designed to ensure safety and orientation, this functional lighting element complements the scenic ambience without disrupting the visual harmony of the landscape.

Both light sources can be controlled independently, allowing lighting scenes to transition effortlessly—from evocative, atmospheric illumination to more functional lighting conditions—while maintaining the cohesive identity of the overall lighting design.

The Washington Commanders named HKS as lead architect for the team’s new state-of-the-art stadium in Washington, D.C. in November 2025.

“We are proud to share the first visuals of our future stadium, a defining milestone in the next phase of the development process,” said Mark Clouse, President of the Washington Commanders. “This moment underscores the strength of our partnership with HKS, whose thoughtful, forward-looking approach has helped us shape a concept that is worthy of its extraordinary site along DC’s Monumental Axis and truly embodies the spirit and pride of the District.”

“HKS is honored to work on one of the world’s most extraordinary sports and entertainment sites, and this project calls for an equally extraordinary response. Every design decision is guided by the significance of place – shaped by its local, regional and national history and generations of memories rooted in RFK Stadium,” said Mark A. Williams, FAIA, HKS Global Venues Director. “Monumental in presence, grounded in the original L’Enfant Plan and scaled to the urban fabric of the District, the stadium design will be a bold civic landmark that carries the city’s architectural legacy forward in a way that is confident, dynamic and unmistakably Washington, D.C.”

Deploying its deep expertise in designing iconic sports and entertainment destinations that balance design, functionality and community benefit, HKS’ stadium will be a core component of an 180-acre urban site that aims to be a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, housing, parks and recreation and neighborhood amenities. The venue will accommodate 70,000+ guests.

Located on the former RFK Stadium site and aligned with the L’Enfant Plan, the project expands the existing waterfront and park experience while enhancing the surrounding recreational network through new outdoor plazas, public spaces and green areas.

Designed to link the city’s historic core with the Anacostia River and neighboring landscapes, the stadium will feature a sculpted, transparent domed roof that establishes a dynamic yet respectful profile rising to welcome visitors from the north and south while maintaining a lower presence along the east–west axis in deference to the U.S. Capitol and adjacent monuments. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of RFK Stadium, the design emphasizes openness, continuity and shared experience, with a continuous colonnade strengthening the relationship between the public realm and the interior and reinforcing the stadium’s role as a unifying civic landmark.

HKS Named Lead Architect

“HKS is thrilled to partner with the Commanders to design a new home that celebrates the pride and unmistakable energy of the nation’s capital,” said Williams. “We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way. The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.”

HKS designs each sports venue as a one-of-a-kind reflection of its city, shaped by the culture, climate and character of the people and communities it represents. The new Commanders Stadium will be designed with football at its core, delivering the loudest, most dynamic home-field advantage in the NFL. The stadium is also envisioned as a civic landmark for Washington, D.C., with monumental architecture and vibrant public spaces that come alive on game days and throughout the year.

Raphaël’s FOH team were also controlling content for13 x 4K video outputs spread across multiple surfaces, all of which combined to bring numerous spectacular and breathtaking Eurovision-tastic moments to this vibrant, action-paced broadcast show. Lighting equipment, together with LED screens, trussing and rigging, was supplied by Bulgarian rental company ESC Rental, whose CEO Natalie Hadad worked closely with the event’s technical production manager and supervisor, Aleksandar Zdravkov, who is also CEO of company ProCinema Production.

It was a project made all the more enjoyable by close collaboration with a fabulous Georgian set design team comprising show creative director Basa Potskhishvili,
show art director Tamar Potskhishvili, show co-director David Gurgulia, and Oto Tedoradze, who oversaw the stage construction.

The centrepiece of the scenic setup was a 12-metre diameter ‘drum stage’ based on the famous Doli, a traditional double-headed percussion instrument at the heart of Georgian folk music. This was positioned right at the centre of the 46-metre-wide stage, with its circumference clad in video panels and lit top and bottom and diagonally with LED tape.

With the large amount of LED screen involved, Raphaël knew that he would need bright, powerful, and reliable lighting fixtures, so he specified Robe products as the main moving lights.

The 54 x Robe ESPRITE LTL WBs (Wash Beams) were rigged on ladders – for optimal positioning – behind the main LED surfaces in a matrix formation. “We needed a powerful luminaire and specifically one with a bigger lens so we could really maximise the breakup effects requested by some delegations,” explained Raphaël, adding that these looked great as they blasted through the blow-through LED. It was the first time he had used the iESPRITE LTL fixtures on a show like this and was even himself a little surprised at the impact and punch they brought to the picture.

The 39 x standard ESPRITES were then dotted around the stage on the decks and around the perimeter of the drum stage, where they were used for excellent cage-effect beams and other cool looks. For key lighting, they used a combination of the 26 x Robe FORTE and 12 x iFORTE fixtures, which were positioned on the overhead roof trusses.

Raphaël stated that having the FORTE’s high CRI and plus/minus green and magenta filters available made it possible to definitively fine-tune the output to attain THE best levels and shifts for everything to look outstanding on TV and for the live audiences … AND for those in the live audience who were unable to keep off their smartphones for the duration of the show! A major challenge when working in LED surface heavy environments like this is to find light levels that simultaneously allow the video to work as it should and function on camera – and with different camera systems!

“It’s absolutely essential to have all the screens and all the lights working harmoniously with all the cameras,” he underlined – a tricky balancing act, which was delivered with great style. Raphaël has been using FORTES and iFORTES for key lighting since the fixtures were first available, and both he and Chris are huge fans.

The 48 x Robe Spiider LED wash beams were scattered around the overhead trusses and utilised for the main wash effects, which worked brilliantly, as did 56 x MegaPointes deployed along the top of the three main LED screens. They excelled themselves as beams, specials, and camera flare effects. Above the audience on a series of trusses, 36 x LEDBeam 1000 fixtures were positioned. These are a little older now, commented Raphaël, but “still in excellent shape and worked very well for what we needed from these positions.”

Having all these Robe luminaires at the fingertips certainly enhanced the creation of an eye-catching opening show and interval act in addition to the 18 competing delegation performances, all ablaze with colour, drama, and individual visual expression.

Raphaël worked alongside his own fabulous FOH team of Fabian Schmidt, lighting director for show lighting; assistant lighting designer Marcel Knauf; key lighting operator Tobias Heydhausen and follow spot caller Matthias Hagel. His gaffer was Oliver Klaus, and the remote follow spotting system engineers were Matze Held and Christian “Rocket Chris” Glatthor.

The Sunrise Studios team also included the media server crew, comprising server operator Matthias Schöffmann with media server farming managed by Chris van Deenen of Trust Rental GmbH. Head of video planning was Sebastian Huwig, and the projection mapping guru was Martin Karl. Motion graphic designers were Sebastian and Natalie Zittlau, and Natalie was also the overall motion graphic design supervisor.

Photo Credit: Chris Moyan

Solutions and Applied Technology

To achieve this objective, Prilux developed a dynamic lighting system using RGBW technology, enabling a broad spectrum of colours and visual effects. The installation includes 104 PAD AVANT RGBW DMX LED projectors along with 100 metres of IMAGINE PROFLEX RGBW, all controlled through an advanced PHAROS system. This setup ensures consistent, high-quality illumination while offering complete flexibility in programming lighting scenes to suit the City Council’s requirements.

Results

Thanks to this installation, the façade of Pilas Town Hall has been transformed into an iconic and dynamic element within the municipality. Now, the building comes to life every night with spectacular lighting that highlights its architectural details and reinforces its institutional identity. In addition, the ability to change colors according to the occasion has made the Town Hall a benchmark for visual communication in the urban environment, aligning itself with the community’s awareness campaigns and special events.

A well designed lighting scheme does not announce itself. It quietly guides movement, enhances form, reveals texture, and supports the purpose of the space. When done right, people rarely say, “What beautiful lighting.” Instead, they say, “This space feels right.”

Lighting as a Spatial Language

Every space speaks a language. Architecture provides the grammar, interiors supply the vocabulary, and lighting sets the tone and emphasis. As lighting designers, our role is to translate intention into illumination. We ask questions that go beyond lumens and fixtures: What is the story of this space? Who will use it? At what times of day? For how long? In what emotional state?

Lighting determines how volumes are perceived whether a ceiling feels expansive or oppressive, whether a corridor feels inviting or intimidating, whether a façade appears monumental or approachable. Through contrast, hierarchy, and rhythm, light establishes spatial clarity. Without this clarity, even the most beautifully designed spaces can feel confusing or uncomfortable.

Beyond Fixtures

One of the most common misconceptions about lighting design is that it is about selecting fixtures. Fixtures are tools, not solutions. The real design lies in deciding *where* light should exist, *where it should not*, and *how it transitions between the two*.

A lighting designer works with layers: ambient lighting for overall comfort, task lighting for function, accent lighting for focus, and decorative lighting for identity. These layers must work together seamlessly, responding to both architecture and human use. Overlighting is as damaging as underlighting. Excessive uniform brightness flattens spaces, erases depth, and causes visual fatigue.

Good lighting design embraces shadow as much as illumination. Shadow gives form meaning. It allows surfaces to breathe and materials to reveal their true character.

Human Centric Lighting: Designing for People, Not Plans

Lighting is experienced by people, not drawings. A technically correct lighting layout can still fail if it ignores human perception. Factors such as glare, contrast ratios, colour temperature, and vertical illumination directly affect comfort, productivity, and mood.

In residential spaces, lighting must adapt to daily rituals waking, relaxing, entertaining, resting. In workplaces, it influences focus, alertness, and wellbeing. In hospitality environments, lighting orchestrates emotion, guiding guests from public vibrancy to private calm.

Human centric lighting is not about complexity or expensive technology. It is about empathy understanding how light supports the body’s natural rhythms and psychological needs. Sometimes, the most impactful design decision is simply reducing light where it is unnecessary.

Daylight: The Primary Design Partner

Artificial lighting should never compete with daylight; it should collaborate with it. A lighting designer studies how natural light enters a space, how it moves throughout the day, and how it changes across seasons. This understanding informs fixture placement, circuiting, and control strategies.

Daylight brings variability, contrast, and life to interiors. Artificial lighting must respond sensitively, filling in gaps rather than overpowering natural conditions. Intelligent integration of daylight reduces energy consumption while enhancing spatial quality.

When daylight is respected, lighting design becomes sustainable by default not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental design principle.

Lighting Controls: The Silent Enabler

A beautifully designed lighting scheme can fail if it is poorly controlled. Controls determine how flexible, intuitive, and usable a lighting system is. From simple dimmers to advanced scene setting systems, the goal is always the same: to give users control without complexity.

Lighting designers advocate for fewer, well considered scenes rather than endless options. A space should transition effortlessly from day to evening, from work mode to relaxation, from public to private. Good controls disappear into the background, empowering users without overwhelming them.

Architecture, Materiality, and Light

Materials respond dramatically to light. Stone absorbs, metal reflects, wood warms, glass transforms. A lighting designer studies material samples under real lighting conditions, not just in catalogues or showrooms.

Texture becomes visible only through grazing light. Colour shifts under different colour temperatures. Gloss levels influence glare and reflection. By understanding these interactions, lighting designers help architects and interior designers make informed material choices that perform as intended.

In façade lighting, the relationship between light and material defines a building’s nighttime identity. Subtlety often creates more impact than brightness. The aim is not to flood a structure with light, but to reveal its architectural intent.

The Cost Myth

Lighting design is frequently seen as an added cost rather than a value driver. In reality, early involvement of a lighting designer often reduces overall project costs. Thoughtful design avoids excessive fixtures, inefficient layouts, and expensive post installation corrections.

Well designed lighting extends the life of interiors, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes maintenance issues. More importantly, it elevates user experience something that cannot be quantified purely in monetary terms.

In commercial and hospitality projects, lighting directly influences brand perception, dwell time, and repeat visits. In residential spaces, it shapes daily comfort and long term satisfaction. These outcomes far outweigh the initial investment.

Collaboration: The Heart of Good Lighting Design

Lighting design does not exist in isolation. It thrives on collaboration with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, engineers, and clients. Early dialogue ensures alignment between vision and execution.

When lighting designers are brought in late, they are often forced to compromise working around fixed ceilings, limited coordination, or predefined budgets. When involved from the conceptual stage, lighting becomes integral rather than corrective.

The most successful projects are those where lighting is discussed alongside form, function, and flow not after them.

The Invisible Signature

Unlike other design disciplines, lighting design leaves no physical trace during the day. Its presence is felt most strongly when it is absent or poorly executed. This invisibility is both its challenge and its power.

A lighting designer’s signature is not a particular fixture or style, but a consistent sensitivity to context. Each project demands a unique response. What works for a luxury residence may fail in a workplace. What suits a heritage building may be inappropriate for a contemporary façade.

Lighting design is ultimately about restraint knowing when to intervene and when to step back.

Conclusion

Lighting design is the art and science of shaping experiences. It operates at the intersection of technology, perception, and human behaviour quietly influencing how spaces are understood, how emotions unfold, and how architecture reveals its intent. Long before a material is touched or a form is consciously admired, light establishes first impressions and lasting memories.

From a lighting designer’s perspective, success is not measured by lux levels, fixture counts, or the latest technology, but by how a space feels over time. Comfort, visual clarity, and emotional balance become the true benchmarks of good design. A well lit space allows people to focus without strain, move intuitively, and connect effortlessly with their surroundings.

When lighting is thoughtfully designed, it transcends trends. It adapts to changing needs, supports multiple functions, and ages gracefully alongside the architecture it serves. It does not seek attention, yet it elevates everything within its reach materials appear richer, spaces feel more intentional, and transitions become seamless.

Ultimately, the true power of lighting lies in its restraint. The most successful lighting schemes are often invisible, sensed rather than seen. They do not compete with architecture or interiors; they complete them. And in fulfilling this quiet role, lighting achieves its highest purpose not to be noticed, but to enhance how we see, experience, and inhabit space.

Sandeip Anand (M.A Lighting Design Germany) is the Director at AIMS Lighting Design, Mumbai having professional lighting experience of more than 20 years.

IS1944  addresses  parameters like light intensity – Luminance/Illuminance, uniformity, glare control and so on depending upon the road classifications. Choosing the ideal colour temperature for street lighting is a complex decision that must balance functional requirements with community comfort. While designing, the experts consider the purpose of the lighting, energy efficiency, regulatory standards, and urban development trends by understanding the interplay among CCT Kelvin, lumens per watt, and CRI.

White LEDs are characterized by several colour metrics, primarily  correlated colour temperature (CCT) measured in Kelvin (K), colour rendering index (CRI)-now Rf as per CIE &  ANSI TM 30, and colour difference (SDCM). CCT indicates the perceived warmth or coolness of the light, ranging from warm (2700K-3000K) to cool (5000K-6500K). CRI ( Rf)  quantifies how accurately a light source renders colours compared to a reference light source. SDCM, also known as MacAdam ellipses, measures the perceived colour difference between LEDs, indicating how closely they match in colour. Similarly, luminous efficacy (how much light output for a given power input) and spectral power distribution (the distribution of light across different wavelengths) are  relevant for evaluating white LEDs.

Out of all above parameters, we are going to discuss here correlated colour temperature (CCT) and why lower CCT LEDs for Road Lighting Application.

Understanding CCT

Colour temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of light emitted by a source, measured in Kelvins (K). It indicates the colour appearance of the light source, with lower Kelvins representing warmer, yellow tones and higher Kelvins indicating cooler, bluish tones.

Standard Preference of CCT for Street Lighting  

Selection criteria of LED CCT begins with a belief that Higher Kelvin Means Brighter Light or it is more efficient and because of  hotter climate in general In India, more as Preference. Now , let us analyse, understand and find  the truth as on date.

• Perceived Brightness: While not directly related, CCT can affect how bright a light source is perceived to be. Cooler colour (higher Kelvin)  temperatures often appear brighter than warmer colour temperatures (lower Kelvin), even if the lumen output is the same.
• Preferences & Habits: During the Legacy Lamp era Street lighting was done with metal halide (4000K)  and sodium vapor lamps (very warm white, 2000K – 2200K ) for years.  However, when LED technology first came out, it was with blue rich cool white colour temperature, but it could resolve the issue of energy consumption because of  higher  efficiency. This new environment, which is unusually white and contains a lot of blue, was not liked by many city dwellers but continued as preferred light CCT.
• Efficacy (LPW): Technically speaking the transition from older lamps with low colour rendering (CRI 25) to LEDs with colour rendering of at least CRI 70 and CRI 80 has actually given a huge advantage in choosing colours (CCT).

Generally, LEDs with higher CCT (like 6500K) tend to have slightly higher lumen output compared to those with lower CCTs (like 3000K), but with the present LED technology it is possible to achieve more or less same efficacy within the same LED series and package size for application specific LEDs.

For example, in Street Lighting application, from the Data Sheet of CREE J Series 1W, 70 CRI 5050 LEDs,  one can find that at 85 Deg C . L/W is 204@6500K, 207@5700K, 207@4000K,199@3500K, and  197@3000K. Similarly, one can get such an information  from Datasheet of Luxeon LED 5050 HE Series. In conclusion one can say that Efficacy (LPW) is not the obstacle in selecting lower CCT for Street Lighting.

Mesopic Vision for Road Lighting vs S/P ratio

As seen from the fig. Mesopic Vision or twilight vision takes place in in the luminance range 0.034 cd/m² and 3.4 cd/m² – the low light levels typical of night time road lighting. Here the S/P ratio (Scotopic/Photopic ratio) and correlated colour temperature (CCT) of LED lighting play significant roles in visual performance. A higher S/P ratio, indicating a stronger contribution from rods (scotopic vision), generally leads to better visibility, especially in terms of perceived brightness and reaction time.

While higher CCT (cooler, bluer light) tends to increase the S/P ratio and mesopic luminance, but is true when Luminance Level is  1cd/m² or lower as explained in CIE 191: 2010 Recommended System for Mesopic Photometry. Based on Visual Performance. Such lighting levels are recommended for Residential area where lower  CCT is preferred for Comfort and Aesthetics.

• High CCT Not necessarily  Better Visibility: While high CCT LEDs can offer higher visibility under mesopic vision, they are less effective in fog or haze or smog,  due to two types of light scattering that occur when shorter wavelengths (blue) light interacts with particles in the atmosphere (Rayleigh and Mie scattering). Yellow light, with better fog penetration, is more effective in such conditions.
• White Light Generation: White light from LEDs is typically generated by using a blue LED with a phosphor coating, such as Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG). This combination allows tuning of the white light colour to suit different lighting applications.

• Blue Light Hazard: High-intensity with higher CCT LED street lights emit substantial blue light, which can cause glare, photochemically induced retinal injury,etc.. Blue-rich LED lighting can decrease visual acuity and safety, potentially creating road hazards.
• Glare: High CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) LED road lighting can lead to increased glare, which can negatively impact driver visibility and potentially increase accident risks.
• Dark Adaptation: Efficient dark adaptation (the process by which the eye recovers its sensitivity to low light after being exposed to bright light)  is crucial for night time driving safety. Warm white LEDs, with lower CCT, offer shorter dark adaptation times compared to cool white LEDs, making them more suitable for roadway and tunnel lighting.
• Physiological Impact: High-intensity LED lights, particularly those with a strong blue light component, suppress melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep and other physiological functions. LED Streetlights with higher CCT are significantly more potent in influencing circadian rhythms.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) vs Light Pollution & Environmental Efect

ALAN has largely increased overtime due to industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth. Artificial lighting at Night ( ALAN) can cause light pollution, which is recognised as one of the most complex environmental degradation forms of the 21st century.

It can have adverse effects on people, astronomy and wildlife health, and results in inefficient use of energy and other environmental harm (e.g. carbon dioxide emissions, global warming), crime and disorder.

Fig.4 Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light; 2020 (ILP) UK, where Sky glow (Direct upward light) refers to the brightening of the sky above towns caused by direct or reflected upward light.

It disrupts nocturnal animal behaviour, including mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and insects. It also disrupts the circadian rhythms of humans, animals, and plants; and it has even been implicated in the global obesity epidemic – light pollution may be making us fat. The death of migrating birds by crashing into high plazas are examples due to high sky glow.

Sea turtles are expected to follow the stars and reach the sea as soon as they are born instead their heading towards dominant city lights and become the target of hunters.

Turtle-friendly lighting design utilizes long-wavelength light sources like PC 1800K (resembles candlelight in colour) and amber LEDs to minimize disruption to sea turtles, particularly hatchlings. These lights, with their lower blue light content, are less likely to disorient turtles attempting to reach the ocean than traditional white light, which can confuse them.

Night Sky & Effect on Astronomy

According to an article by National Geographic, more than 80% of the world’s population and about 99% of Americans and Europeans live under a sky glow — a form of light pollution and can barely see more than a handful of stars at night.

Due to light pollution, we actually cannot see so many objects like nebulae, planets and stars or the Milky Way itself. Astronomers are ringing alarm bells again and again  about rising light pollution destroying pristine night skies.

Conclusion

• Sustainability point of view,  LED systems for Road Lighting reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Considerations such as luminance, colour rendering index (CRI), CCT, glare control, flicker, mesopic vision illuminance, dark adaptation, blue light hazard, colour perception, fog penetration, and skyglow pollution are integral to determining the suitability of lighting for street applications. For Road Lighting “the right light, in the right place at the right time, controlled by the right system” is recommended.
• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Lighting Europe, The International Dark-Sky Association, and similar International organisations world over recommends to choose the best CCT which involves trade-offs  between light pollution, visual performance, personal  preferences, ecological concerns, and economics. This should balance the needs of people with the needs of nature, based upon the predominant populations and activities.
• High CCT LED lighting should be avoided for street lighting due to its adverse effects, despite trade-offs in lighting design.
• While 3000K-4000K is a common recommendation, factors like specific roadway types (e.g., urban vs. rural), speed limits, and local environmental conditions may influence the optimal CCT for a particular application. 3000K (Warm White) has Moderate efficiency but creates a cosy ambiance, whereas 4000K (Neutral White) balances efficiency and clarity.
• Light source spectrum should be considered depending on the environmental requirements. This should balance the needs of people with the needs of nature, based upon the predominant populations and activities. This should also consider changes throughout time of night/year and luminaires with adaptable spectra and brightness. In a smart city project, dynamic street lights that adjust CCT from 4000K to 3000K based on time of night and the Lighting Level significantly enhanced both energy savings and public comfort. In India Cost will be the determing factor and should be applied where essential.
• IS 1944 Standard for Code of Practice for Road and Tunnel Lighting Second Revision when published and in use, I am hopeful, information in this article will be of use to designers and tendering authorities in deciding use of lower CCT in Road Lighting Applications.

Anil Valia is a Lighting Designer, Consultant & Educator B.E. Elect (Hons.), Chartered Engineer, MIE (India), FISLE, Emeritus MIES (USA), Educator – IALD (USA); Founder Fellow & Ex-Vice President ISLE, Founder LFM & Ex Vice President CEEAMA Course Director: International Lighting Academy