We have previously dealt with how to become a lighting designer (read the article), analysing the training steps to play such a coveted role that operates transversally in several areas.
Instead, this article will examine what a professional in the field does.
1. Observe the environment.
The first step in dealing with a new light design project is precisely that of analysing and studying the environment in which it will have to operate.
Specifically, the light designer must take into account:
- space
- volumes
- materials
- surfaces
All these elements, in fact, 'behave' differently depending on the light, affecting transmission, absorption, reflection and refraction characteristics.
This phase also includes a survey of the activities carried out in the environment, the orientation of the facility, and an assessment of how natural light penetrates the environment depending on the season and time of day.
2. Evaluation of installations.
One of the phases of the light designer's work includes the evaluation of existing facilities, which could represent a limitation or obstacle to work.
At this stage the practitioner must photograph the environments or even film them.
The images will be used to carry out more in-depth evaluations and to assess the impact of project implementation in advance.
3. Identification of objectives.
We then proceed to identify the objectives to be achieved, which are often constrained by physical limitations of the structure or by regulatory and legislative constraints.
The objectives also include:
- Assessing the safety of environments
- Cost-effectiveness (of installation, electricity consumption for operation and maintenance)
- Flexibility of the system (for easy implementation of any future minor modifications)
- Energy efficiency
4. Definition of Requirements
At this stage, the lighting designer must quantify according to photometric and colorimetric parameters the performance and quality of the solutions to be proposed.
