There are many different theories on how to approach landscape lighting design.
These days it seems that many systems are installed based on products versus a true design. In this article, we will offer more of an old-school approach which I call the Nightingale/Locklin method.
The purpose of the lighting system should always be considered. Are we here to create beauty, safety or security?
These are the questions that need to be asked for every job. The other question that needs to be asked is how the customer feels about light. As we all know, lighting is very subjective. Your views on lighting may not be the same as the customer’s. For instance, their Kelvin temperature preference. Some folks like warm and some like cool.
All of this needs to be taken into consideration.
How a customer uses the space that needs to be illuminated also needs to be taken into consideration.
How a customer uses the space that needs to be illuminated also needs to be taken into consideration. Spaces can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, a patio may require low level lighting and task lighting. You may want to install a switch or extra control, such as a dimmer. The use of brighter lamps in downlighting fixtures with dimming control can allow the customer to adjust the light level for the mood. In addition, when the event is over, they can ramp up the dimmer and have full brightness in order to tidy up.
When navigating at night, it is important to have the right light levels. It’s always important to ask the customer how well they see at night. This will give you a good idea of what type of Kelvin temperature and wattage to use on their pathway. Proper traverse lighting will need to be incorporated in the design.
Uplighting is always spectacular. Ever wonder why? Uplighting has an unnatural effect. It never happens in nature. The human eye is always drawn to something that is unnatural or unusual. Tree lighting is always a big part of a great landscape lighting design. Incorporating trees into your design, along with proper architectural lighting, can result in great curb appeal.
Downlighting happens in nature. When walking around the property with your customer, suggest areas to downlight. Moonlighting effects can be created with both hanging and directional lights that may cast shadows from the trees. Downlighting can also be used for area and path lighting. Decorative downlighting fixtures can also be installed in trees for a festive look.
Backlighting is another natural effect. As the sun rises and sets, we see the silhouettes of plant material and architecture. Backlighting will often be seen as a romantic effect.
Years ago, backlighting was done with amber and red lenses. This created a sunset effect across a perimeter wall. Backlighting can add depth and romance into a property. It can be very calming for the eye.
When controlling a lighting system, ask the customer what their level of familiarity with technology is. Customers may want some type of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control for their lighting system through the phone. If the customer is not comfortable with that type of technology, do not feel the need to push them into that type of system. A simple timer and photocell set up could be the best control for them.
For those of you who have been doing landscape lighting for a long time, you know that you have your certain go-to fixtures that are used on many of your jobs. For those of you just starting out, you will eventually find your top five fixtures that you go to on a regular basis.
When working with your customers on an initial design, it is not necessary to take the manufacturers’ catalog out on the job site. You may have recommendations and samples with you to show them. The biggest mistake that a new contractor can make is to hand a manufacturer catalog to their customer and ask them to pick out their own lights. Remember: you are the lighting designer. They hired you for your expertise.
