{{Short description|Design of lighting systems to meet objectives}} [[File:Sangshad inside.jpg|thumb|upright|Dramatic daylighting inside Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, Dhaka.]] '''Lighting design''' is essentially the careful design of lighting systems to meet specific objectives and requirements.<ref>{{cite book |date=2017 |title=IALD/LIRC Guidelines for Specification Integrity |pages=20–21 |edition=Pilot |publisher=International Association of Lighting Designers |url=https://cld.global/common/Uploaded%20files/Documents/LIRC/IALD-LIRC-Guidelines-for-Specification-Integrity-2017.pdf |access-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref> Lighting systems can include electric lighting, daylighting, or both, as well as any associated controls.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |date=2020 |edition=2 |title=e-ILV, online version of CIE S 017:2020, International Lighting Vocabulary |url=https://cie.co.at/e-ilv |location=Vienna |publisher=International Commission on Illumination |at=§17-27-010, lighting system |access-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Whole Building Design Guide |chapter=Electric Lighting Controls |publisher=National Institute of Building Sciences |url=https://www.wbdg.org/resources/electric-lighting-controls |access-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref> Support for human vision, health, mood, and entertainment are common examples of lighting design objectives. Requirements can be quantitative (e.g., minimum illuminance) or qualitative (e.g., low discomfort glare).
There are two basic types of lighting design practitioners, albeit with some overlap between these disciplines: architectural lighting designers and stage lighting designers.<ref>{{cite book |date=Feb 2020 |title=IALD Professional Application Process |page=4 |publisher=International Association of Lighting Designers |url=https://www.iald.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Documents/Membership/IALD-Professional-Application-Process-FAQ_2020.pdf |access-date=29 Dec 2025}}</ref> This is illustrated in the respective scope of their professional societies. For example: * The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) focuses on architectural lighting design.<ref>{{cite web |title=Joining the IALD |publisher=International Association of Lighting Designers |website=iald.org |url=https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Membership/Join-the-IALD.aspx |access-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The IALD International Lighting Design Awards |publisher=International Association of Lighting Designers |website=iald.org |url=https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Awards/About-the-IALD-Awards.aspx |access-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> However, the IALD Education Trust includes theatrical lighting design students in its work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Student Support Programs |publisher=International Association of Lighting Designers |website=iald.org |url=https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Education-Trust/Student-Programs.aspx |access-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> * The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) focuses on the event and entertainment industries, including theater.<ref>{{cite web |title=About PLASA |publisher=Professional Lighting and Sound Association |website=plasa.org |date=17 May 2018 |url=https://www.plasa.org/about-plasa-association/ |access-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About |publisher=PLASA Media Ltd |website=lsionline.com |url=https://www.lsionline.com/about/ |access-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref> However, PLASA's ''LIT Lighting Design Awards'' competition has categories for both architectural lighting design and entertainment lighting design.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The LIT Lighting Design Awards opens for entries |date=10 Feb 2023 |journal=Light & Sound International (LSi) |publisher=PLASA Media Ltd |url=https://www.lsionline.com/news/the-lit-lighting-design-awards-opens-for-entries/ |access-date=29 Dec 2025}}</ref>
==Architectural lighting== {{main|Architectural lighting design}} Although the effects of architectural lighting are often dynamic (e.g., due to automated dimming or color changing),<ref>{{cite web |date=3 May 2024 |title=Choosing the Right Lighting Control System |url=https://insights.acuitybrands.com/eldoled-blog/articles-choosing-the-right-lighting-control-system |website=AcuityBrands.com |access-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=20 Jun 2024 |first=Shannon |last=Loy |title=How Can Dynamic Architectural Lighting Transform Outdoor Spaces? |website=pfa-architect.com |url=https://www.pfa-architect.com/blogs/how-can-dynamic-architectural-lighting-transform-outdoor-spaces |access-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Lindsay |last=Stevens |date=26 Jul 2024 |title=Illuminating Storytelling in Architecture |website=LanguageOfLighting.com |url=https://languageoflighting.com/newsfeed/illuminating-storytelling-in-architecture/ |access-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> the installed lighting systems are generally fixed in place.<ref>{{cite web |title=Architecture and Theater Set Design |date=10 Aug 2016 |website=ChambersArchitects.com |url=https://chambersarchitects.com/blog/architecture-theater-set-design/ |access-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Richard D. |last=Falconer |date=1 Sep 2025 |title=Specialty Lighting vs. Architectural Lighting: A Primer for Architects and Owners |website=nv5.com |url=https://www.nv5.com/news/thought-leadership/specialty-vs-architectural-lighting/ |access-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> Specialties within architectural lighting include different methods and applications of indoor (e.g., daylighting, healthcare lighting) and outdoor (e.g., landscape lighting, roadway lighting) illumination. Recent research has also used physics-based simulation to evaluate pedestrian visibility, glare, and illuminance distribution in roadway and intersection lighting.<ref name="Kavee2026"> Kavee, Korawich; Flanigan, Katherine A.; Quick, Stephen L. "Human-centered simulation of intersection lighting: a parametric study of design tradeoffs." ''Internet of Things'', Volume 37, 2026, Article 101936. doi:10.1016/j.iot.2026.101936. </ref> Architectural lighting increasingly incorporates integrated LED solutions within everyday fixtures to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in interior environments. Common applications include illuminated mirrors and backlit surfaces, which provide uniform task lighting while contributing to ambient design.<ref>{{cite web |title=LED lighting in buildings |url=https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting |website=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Industry resources and retailers also document the growing adoption of LED-integrated mirror systems in residential and hospitality settings.
==Set, stage, and theatrical lighting== {{Unreferenced section|date=January 2026}}{{main|Stage lighting}}
thumb|Lighting at the 2005 Classical Spectacular Concert. Stage lighting design covers a wide array of events including stage plays and musicals, dance, opera, concerts, sporting events, and corporate launches.
In theatre, a lighting designer (or LD) works with the director, choreographer, set designer, costume designer, and sound designer to create the lighting, atmosphere, and time of day for the production in response to the text while keeping in mind issues of visibility, safety, and cost. The LD also works closely with the stage manager or show control programming, if show control systems are used in that production.
An LD of a pop tour may work directly the band and production manager, and at larger scales they may work with other creative directors and designers, while at smaller scales they may also be responsible for programming and light board operation. LDs work with master electricians to implement their designs.
In film, television, and video production, gaffers and lighting technicians work with the cinematographer or director of photography to light scenes for the camera.
==See also== {{Portal|Theatre}} * List of lighting designers
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Stagecraft}} {{Design |disciplines}} {{Authority control}} Category:Lighting designers Category:Broadcasting occupations Category:Design occupations Category:Filmmaking occupations Category:Landscape and garden designers Category:Mass media occupations Category:Television terminology Category:Theatrical occupations Category:Stage crew Category:Stage lighting