Architectural Lighting Design Course

Lesson 1 • Light Source Technologies

Surveys incandescent, fluorescent, HID, and LED technologies with performance trade-offs. Provides the source knowledge needed for informed fixture selection.

Lesson 2 • Human Visual Perception

Examines how the eye adapts to brightness, contrast, and color. Links perceptual science to design choices that support comfort and visibility.

Lesson 3 • The Nature of Light

Covers electromagnetic radiation, visible spectrum, and color temperature fundamentals. Establishes the physical basis for all subsequent lighting decisions.

Lesson 4 • Photometric Quantities and Units

Defines lumens, lux, candela, and luminance with real measurement contexts. Enables accurate specification and comparison of light sources.

Lesson 1 • Daylighting Integration Principles

Introduces daylight as a primary design resource alongside electric light. Establishes criteria for balancing natural and artificial sources effectively.

Lesson 2 • Layering Light in a Space

Introduces ambient, task, accent, and decorative layers as a compositional framework. Teaches how layer combinations shape spatial hierarchy and mood.

Lesson 3 • Quantity and Quality of Light

Distinguishes between adequate illuminance levels and perceptual quality factors. Frames the dual mandate of functional and experiential lighting design.

Lesson 4 • Glare Control Strategies

Covers discomfort glare, disability glare, and veiling reflections with mitigation methods. Directly supports occupant comfort and visual task performance.

Lesson 1 • Reading Photometric Data

Teaches interpretation of IES files, polar curves, and isolux diagrams. Enables accurate prediction of luminaire performance before installation.

Lesson 2 • Luminaire Types and Applications

Surveys recessed, surface, pendant, track, and exterior luminaire families. Matches fixture categories to spatial and functional requirements.

Lesson 3 • Driver and Dimming Technology

Covers LED driver types, dimming protocols, and compatibility requirements. Prepares students to specify dimming systems that perform without flicker or noise.

Lesson 4 • Optical Systems and Control

Examines reflectors, lenses, diffusers, and baffles as optical control tools. Links optical choice to beam shaping and glare management outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Simulation Software

Introduces rendering and calculation engines used in professional practice. Connects manual methods to software workflows for complex geometries.

Lesson 2 • Validating Against Design Criteria

Teaches systematic comparison of calculated results to established targets and standards. Closes the loop between design intent and quantitative performance proof.

Lesson 3 • Point-by-Point Calculation

Applies the inverse square law and cosine law to calculate illuminance at specific points. Enables precise analysis of accent, task, and exterior lighting scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Zonal Cavity and Lumen Method

Teaches the lumen method for average illuminance calculation in rectangular rooms. Provides a fast analytical tool for early-stage design validation.

Lesson 1 • Controls Documentation and Commissioning

Guides creation of control narratives, riser diagrams, and commissioning checklists. Produces the documentation set required for successful system handover.

Lesson 2 • Sensors and Automatic Controls

Covers occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and timeclocks with placement rules. Enables design of responsive systems that reduce energy use automatically.

Lesson 3 • Human-Centric and Tunable Lighting

Explores circadian-supportive lighting through dynamic CCT and intensity scheduling. Links biological research to practical control programming for occupant wellbeing.

Lesson 4 • Networked Lighting Control Protocols

Examines DALI, DMX, and IP-based protocols for large-scale system integration. Prepares students to specify interoperable controls across complex buildings.

Lesson 1 • Green Rating System Criteria

Covers lighting-related credits in major green building rating frameworks. Connects design decisions to certification point strategies for project teams.

Lesson 2 • Circular Economy and Material Health

Examines luminaire recyclability, hazardous material avoidance, and end-of-life planning. Embeds environmental responsibility into specification and procurement decisions.

Lesson 3 • Light Pollution and Dark Sky Design

Addresses uplight, trespass, and sky glow with fixture and aiming strategies. Integrates responsible exterior lighting into sustainable design practice.

Lesson 4 • Lighting Power Density Compliance

Teaches LPD calculation methods and compliance pathways used in energy codes. Enables students to design within power budgets without sacrificing quality.

Lesson 1 • Healthcare and Educational Facilities

Applies infection-control, visual acuity, and circadian criteria to clinical and learning spaces. Addresses the heightened performance standards of these occupancy types.

Lesson 2 • Exterior and Urban Lighting

Covers roadway, pedestrian, facade, and landscape lighting for public environments. Integrates safety, aesthetics, and dark sky compliance at the urban scale.

Lesson 3 • Residential Lighting Design

Designs layered, dimmable residential schemes that balance aesthetics and function. Addresses the unique client-driven nature of residential project delivery.

Lesson 4 • Commercial Office Lighting

Addresses task visibility, screen glare, and occupant wellbeing in office environments. Integrates daylighting, controls, and LPD compliance into a unified office strategy.

Lesson 1 • Site Observation and Commissioning

Covers field observation, punch list development, and lighting commissioning verification. Closes the gap between design intent and installed performance.

Lesson 2 • Coordinating with the Design Team

Addresses coordination with architects, MEP engineers, and interior designers. Teaches conflict resolution and interdisciplinary communication for lighting integration.

Lesson 3 • Specifications and Procurement

Teaches writing performance specifications and navigating procurement and substitution processes. Ensures design intent is protected through the purchasing and installation phases.

Lesson 4 • Design Process and Project Phases

Maps lighting design tasks to standard project phases from schematic through closeout. Clarifies deliverable expectations and decision points at each phase.