Lighting Designer Course

Lesson 1 • Photometric Quantities and Units

Defines lumens, lux, candela, and footcandles with real-world context. Provides the measurement vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Physics of Light Behavior

Covers wavelength, frequency, and the electromagnetic spectrum as they relate to visible light. Establishes the scientific basis for all lighting design choices.

Lesson 3 • Human Visual Perception

Examines how the eye processes luminance, contrast, and color. Connects perceptual science to practical design decisions.

Lesson 1 • LED Systems in Depth

Examines LED modules, COB arrays, and integrated luminaires in detail. Addresses thermal management and driver compatibility critical to long-term performance.

Lesson 2 • Specialty and Theatrical Sources

Covers moving heads, ellipsoidal spotlights, LED wash fixtures, and fiber optics. Prepares students for entertainment and architectural accent applications.

Lesson 3 • Luminaire Types and Optics

Classifies downlights, track, linear, area, and decorative luminaires by optical output. Connects fixture selection to the photometric concepts from Chapter 1.

Lesson 4 • Lamp Technology Overview

Surveys incandescent, fluorescent, HID, and LED sources with performance comparisons. Grounds source selection in measurable criteria established in Chapter 1.

Lesson 1 • Architectural Integration of Light

Teaches how to use light to reveal texture, form, and material qualities of architecture. Bridges aesthetic principles with built-environment applications.

Lesson 2 • Design Intent and Concept Development

Guides students from a client brief to a lighting concept narrative. Establishes the ideation process used throughout applied design chapters.

Lesson 3 • Contrast, Hierarchy, and Rhythm

Explores how luminance ratios, focal points, and repetition guide the eye. Connects visual composition theory to spatial lighting decisions.

Lesson 4 • Layers of Light Framework

Introduces ambient, task, accent, and decorative layers as a compositional structure. Provides the organizing framework used in all subsequent design projects.

Lesson 1 • Energy Modeling and Compliance Checks

Applies lighting power density calculations and energy code compliance workflows. Ensures designs meet efficiency benchmarks required in professional practice.

Lesson 2 • Manual Calculation Methods

Covers the lumen method, point-by-point calculation, and room cavity ratios. Builds analytical confidence before introducing software tools.

Lesson 3 • Photometric Software Fundamentals

Introduces industry-standard lighting simulation platforms and their workflows. Connects manual calculation knowledge to digital modeling practice.

Lesson 4 • Daylight Analysis and Integration

Teaches climate-based daylight modeling and annual sun exposure analysis. Prepares students to design electric and daylight systems as a unified whole.

Lesson 1 • Office and Workplace Lighting

Covers open-plan, private office, and collaborative space lighting to meet task and well-being standards. Integrates energy efficiency and glare control requirements.

Lesson 2 • Retail and Hospitality Lighting

Teaches merchandise highlighting, ambiance creation, and brand reinforcement through light. Connects accent and decorative layer skills to commercial design goals.

Lesson 3 • Healthcare and Educational Facilities

Applies evidence-based lighting standards for patient care, learning, and safety. Addresses regulatory illuminance requirements and infection-control considerations.

Lesson 4 • Museum and Gallery Lighting

Covers conservation-grade illuminance limits, UV filtering, and artifact highlighting. Develops precision accent and display lighting skills for cultural institutions.

Lesson 1 • Dark-Sky Compliance and Light Pollution

Introduces light pollution zones, uplight ratings, and obtrusive light limits. Equips students to design responsibly within environmental and regulatory frameworks.

Lesson 2 • Exterior Lighting Fundamentals

Establishes illuminance targets, mounting heights, and distribution types for outdoor applications. Builds on photometric skills from Chapter 4 for exterior contexts.

Lesson 3 • Facade and Architectural Uplighting

Teaches grazing, washing, and silhouetting techniques for building exteriors. Applies architectural integration principles from Chapter 3 to outdoor surfaces.

Lesson 4 • Landscape and Pathway Lighting

Covers tree uplighting, ground-level path fixtures, and water feature illumination. Develops sensitivity to ecological and aesthetic balance in outdoor environments.

Lesson 1 • Networked and IoT Lighting Platforms

Examines IP-based lighting networks, wireless mesh protocols, and cloud dashboards. Prepares students for smart building integration and data-driven lighting management.

Lesson 2 • Control System Fundamentals

Introduces dimming protocols, switching strategies, and control topologies. Establishes the technical vocabulary for all subsequent controls content.

Lesson 3 • Human-Centric and Tunable White Systems

Covers CCT tuning, circadian rhythm support, and dynamic lighting schedules for well-being. Applies biological lighting science from Chapter 3 to programmable control systems.

Lesson 4 • Occupancy and Daylight Sensors

Covers PIR, ultrasonic, and image-based occupancy sensors alongside photosensor types. Connects sensor placement to energy savings and occupant comfort outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Project Phases and Design Process

Maps schematic design, design development, and construction documents to lighting deliverables. Establishes the workflow structure for all professional project work.

Lesson 2 • Commissioning and Post-Occupancy Review

Covers controls commissioning, occupant training, and post-occupancy performance evaluation. Closes the project lifecycle and informs continuous design improvement.

Lesson 3 • Budgeting and Cost Management

Covers fixture budgeting, value engineering, and cost-benefit analysis for lighting systems. Equips students to balance design quality with project financial constraints.

Lesson 4 • Lighting Specifications and Schedules

Teaches how to write luminaire schedules, product specifications, and substitution criteria. Directly supports procurement and contractor coordination in later phases.