BY ELLIE DEES
Architectural lighting is one of the most critical elements of design. It tells a story; it changes moods; it optimizes atmosphere. The key objectives of architectural lighting with LEDs are appearance, safety and performance.
Appearance
First and foremost, architectural lighting should enhance its subject by drawing attention to the colors, textures and form of a building or space. Be sure to factor natural lighting into your plans where possible. Employ layering and carefully examine the CCTs in your scheme. That can mean highlighting a façade with wall grazing or spotlighting a design or logo with wall washing, outlining a dramatic edge with linear lighting or creating depth and intrigue with color-changing cove lights.
Safety
Well-designed lighting mixes form and function. Task or accent lighting can enhance safety as well. That can translate to lighting that highlights entryways while providing extra security around doors and windows. It can also mean making it easier to see for a customer or guest’s wayfinding and employee tasks. Well-lit pathways and steps, stairs, patios, porches and decks can be beautiful AND practical.
Performance
Everything comes with a cost – but premium products become much more affordable when you factor in their performance. LEDs, for instance, offer superior control over color temperature and hue. They are stringently tested for efficacy – the amount of energy they use – and they last far longer than conventional lighting. And with simple DMX controls, LEDs can easily be programmed to repeat beautiful, complex effects again and again. CCTs can be seamlessly dimmed to the warmest hospitable tones.
The first choice
Due to their compact size, flexibility and variety, LEDs are increasingly the first choice for lighting designers around the world. Custom LED fixtures can be surface mounted, recessed, suspended or used as grazers and wall washers. And sustainability factors such as energy efficiency and durability reduce maintenance costs, making them more popular with builders. Manufacturers like Acolyte cover all the bases for the key objectives of architectural lighting with LEDs. Visit the products section of AcolyteLED.com to see a wide selection of customizable architectural LED lighting solutions.
