Lighting Study

What is Lighting Study?

A lighting study analyzes how light—both natural and artificial—will perform in architectural spaces. These studies examine illumination levels, light quality, shadow patterns, and the interplay of light with materials and surfaces. Understanding lighting is essential for creating spaces that are functional, comfortable, and atmospherically compelling.

Daylighting studies track how sunlight enters and moves through spaces throughout the day and across seasons. They identify opportunities for natural illumination while managing glare and solar heat gain. Computational tools can simulate daylight conditions with precision, predicting illumination levels and identifying areas that may be over- or under-lit.

Artificial lighting studies complement daylighting analysis, designing systems that provide appropriate illumination when natural light is insufficient. These studies consider task lighting for specific activities, ambient lighting for general illumination, and accent lighting for visual interest. The integration of daylight and electric light is increasingly sophisticated, with automated systems adjusting artificial light based on available daylight.

Lighting profoundly affects how we perceive and experience architecture. The same space can feel intimate or expansive, warm or cool, dramatic or serene depending on how it is lit. Lighting studies help architects understand and control these effects, ensuring that finished spaces deliver the intended atmospheric qualities.