Architectural Lighting Design, 2nd Edition

Rating:
Summary: The best explanation of the lighting design process in print
Review: This is an excellent book. The reasons are these: the process of lighting design is explained with a thoroughness and clarity unseen in other books; the most important points are always accompanied by examples taken from real projects-the author's own or others; the voice of the author is immediate, conversational, and easy to learn from; and, the balance between technical detail and the practical business of getting the (lighting) job done is admirably struck.

Steffy explains the lighting design process in its proper order and with the proper emphasis. He begins by defining the lighting design problem as one grounded in vision-explaining just enough of that fabulously complex process to make the designer aware of the mechanisms by which we visually apprehend the world. How that world is to be seen is defined by the programming phase of a project. In this long section, Steffy shows how psychology, architecture, the requirements of visual work, and many other factors are brought together to define the goals of the lighting project. Each of these aspects is discussed from the designer's perspective and accompanied by unambiguous examples. This first third of the book is probably its strongest section-by the author's design evidently, since it is far more common to plunge into "picking equipment," rather than pause and ruminate about the purposes and goals of lighting for a project.

But the very beginning of the book does not provide much technical underpinning; and so perhaps its only weakness is that the fundamentals are treated at the start with a brevity that may not sufficiently develop a readers' understanding. On the other hand, we are spared the usual inane drawings of candles and spheres, and the often-erroneous analogies trotted out to "explain" things.

The middle third of the book deals with the more technical issues of lighting design: schematic design, daylighting, lamps, luminaires, controls, and design tools. Steffy has chosen members of the architecture and design community for his audience. As such, mathematics has a useful but circumscribed role in the process, and detailed issues managed by electrical engineers are left to those registered professionals. Given that, the coverage is thorough and sufficiently detailed for the reader to leave the text with useful information. The long chapter on lamps is up to date and more than just a recitation of data and characteristics-rather, there is always advice given and experience shared about how different lamps can or should be used. The same can be said of the section devoted to luminaires.

The rest of the book is devoted to the process of getting the lighting design specified, purchased, on the job, and installed. This includes an elaborate explanation of equipment pricing, contract documents, and the practical matters of getting the right equipment to the project. There is no more extensive or thorough an explanation of these important aspects of lighting design in print.

One of the books strongest points is the abundance of examples; there is at least one used to clarify each important point. Absent are the usual hedges and unhelpful generalities about "design;" rather, one finds a bracing, thought-provoking specificity: "do this, not this;" and, marvelous to read, there is nothing imperious about this, for reasons are always given. The examples are particularly important and helpful in the long sections that explain programming and construction documents. In each of these two cases, Steffy offers specific and detailed examples from his own projects. The annotation is extensive and adds the detail that often brings home the point.

Steffy writes in a direct, conversational style that draws the reader into the topic. (The first word in his preface is "Yikes!") The effect is that of being in the presence of someone willing to help, willing to explain things, and who knows what they're doing. This is very important point, since it is a good bet that the book will be used most often for self-study. The modernity of the process by which we learn is acknowledged in the book: there is a continuous sprinkling of Internet addresses where one can find more information. The style, detailed examples, and mechanical layout of the material promote direct understanding. There are none of the usual unsupported recipes and vague injunctions. The directness of Steffy's conversation with the reader helps convey what he knows and how he has applied it to lighting design. And Steffy knows a great deal-he is an internationally recognized lighting designer.

Steffy's book can be recommended without reservation to those who are serious about learning the technology, craft, and process of lighting design-reading it is a close approximation to an extended conversation with a successful and seasoned expert who is willing and capable of sharing what he knows.