PHILOSOPHY
Architectural lighting design is not merely an engineering exercise to ensure that certain prescribed levels of illumination are achieved. Good lighting design involves using light and light fittings sympathetically to enhance a building and create an appropriate environment for its intended use. Current architectural lighting owes much to stage lighting in this respect.
To successfully apply such techniques, a sensitive visual approach is required, combined with the appropriate technical knowledge, including an understanding of current developments in energy saving light sources and lighting control systems.
Issues we consider when developing a lighting scheme include aesthetics, equipment integration, illumination levels, likely electrical works, planned maintenance, and capital and running costs.
The Society of Light and Lighting Code for Lighting Places of Worship states that “for all buildings a hazard exists if people have to evacuate the building in darkness, and emergency lighting should be provided to allow people to safely and quickly leave the building”. Consequently, as part of any such lighting scheme we will include an appropriate amount of emergency lighting.