Books

Creating a list of lighting design books tailored to both professionals seeking in-depth technical knowledge and general readers interested in the aesthetics and practical applications of lighting design provides insights into how lighting shapes our environments. Here’s a selection designed to illuminate various aspects of lighting design:

For Professionals

1. “Lighting Design Basics” by Mark Karlen and James R. Benya

   • Remark: Offers a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of lighting design, including technical aspects and project planning.
   • Applied: Essential for new professionals or as a refresher for experienced designers focusing on both artificial and natural lighting.

2. “Architectural Lighting: Designing with Light and Space” by Hervé Descottes and Cecilia E. Ramos

   • Remark: Explores the interplay between light and architectural spaces, emphasizing conceptual and aesthetic considerations.
   • Applied: Inspires designers to integrate lighting as a key element of spatial design.

3. “The Lighting Handbook: Reference & Application” by Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)

   • Remark: Known as the bible for lighting professionals, it covers lighting standards, measurement, and application guidelines.
   • Applied: A must-have reference for ensuring lighting designs meet industry standards and best practices.

4. “Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture” by Derek Phillips

   • Remark: Discusses the importance and techniques for incorporating natural light into architectural designs.
   • Applied: Crucial for designers aiming to maximize natural lighting while maintaining energy efficiency.

5. “Designing with Light: The Art, Science, and Practice of Architectural Lighting Design” by Jason Livingston

   • Remark: A detailed exploration of the technical and aesthetic aspects of lighting design across various project types.
   • Applied: Guides professionals through the process of creating effective and visually appealing lighting solutions.

6. “Lighting for Interior Design” by Malcolm Innes

   • Remark: Focuses on the role of lighting in interior design, covering practical applications and design principles for creating atmospheres and functionality.
   • Applied: Ideal for interior designers seeking to deepen their understanding of lighting as a transformative design tool.

7. “Sustainable Lighting Design: A Practical Guide” by Carl Gardner

   • Remark: Addresses the principles of sustainable lighting, energy efficiency, and the use of innovative, eco-friendly technologies.
   • Applied: Encourages the incorporation of green lighting solutions in projects, aligning with environmental goals.

8. “Detail in Contemporary Lighting Design” by Jill Entwistle

   • Remark: Showcases a variety of successful lighting designs through detailed case studies and technical explanations.
   • Applied: Offers inspiration and technical insights for professionals working on cutting-edge lighting projects.

9. “Quantitative Lighting Design: Calculations in Architectural Design” by Ulrike Brandi

   • Remark: Provides a systematic approach to quantitative aspects of lighting design, including calculation techniques and standards.
   • Applied: Supports designers in making informed decisions based on quantitative data for both natural and artificial lighting.

10. “Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting” by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, and Paul Fuqua

    • Remark: Though focused on photography, this book offers valuable insights into the principles of lighting that are applicable to architectural and interior lighting design.
    • Applied: Enhances understanding of how light behaves and can be manipulated to achieve desired effects in space.

For General Readers

1. “The Architecture of Light: A textbook of procedures and practices for the Architect, Interior Designer and Lighting Designer” by Sage Russell

   • Remark: Makes lighting design accessible to a broader audience, discussing the aesthetic impact of lighting in architectural spaces.
   • Applied: Ideal for those interested in how lighting affects the ambiance and mood of spaces.

2. “Painting with Light: Lighting & Photoshop Techniques for Photographers” by Eric Curry

   • Remark: Explores creative lighting techniques and post-processing, offering a unique perspective on crafting light in visual compositions.
   • Applied: Appeals to photographers and enthusiasts looking to understand and experiment with light as a medium.

3. “In Praise of Shadows” by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki

   • Remark: A philosophical exploration of aesthetics, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow in traditional Japanese architecture.
   • Applied: Inspires readers to appreciate the subtleties of light and shadow in defining spaces.

4. “Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light” by Jane Brox

   • Remark: Chronicles the history of artificial lighting and its profound impact on human society.
   • Applied: Engages readers interested in the cultural and technological evolution of lighting.

5. “Living with Light: Decorating the Scandinavian Way” by Gail Abbott and Mark Scott

   • Remark: Showcases the Scandinavian approach to using light to create warm and inviting homes, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and the integration of natural light.
   • Applied: Perfect for readers looking to adopt Scandinavian design principles to enhance their living spaces through lighting.

6. “Light for Visual Artists: Understanding & Using Light in Art & Design” by Richard Yot

   • Remark: An introduction to the role of light in visual arts, aimed at illustrators, painters, and digital artists, but accessible to anyone with an interest in design.
   • Applied: Helps demystify the complexities of light and shadow for artists and designers, enriching the creative process.

7. “The Luminous Interior: Inspiration for Homes that Glow” by Elizabeth Lawson

   • Remark: Explores the impact of lighting on interior design, providing ideas for creating atmospheric and functional spaces within the home.
   • Applied: Offers practical tips and inspiration for homeowners looking to enhance their interiors with both natural and artificial light.

8. “Lighting Up the Landscape: The Art of Garden Illumination” by Michele Osborne

   • Remark: Focuses on garden and landscape lighting, offering guidance on how to highlight outdoor features and create inviting exterior environments.
   • Applied: A great resource for garden enthusiasts and homeowners interested in extending the beauty of their gardens into the evening hours.

9. “Atmospheres: Architectural Environments - Surrounding Objects” by Peter Zumthor

   • Remark: While not solely focused on lighting, this book delves into the atmospheric effects created by various architectural elements, including light.
   • Applied: Encourages a deeper appreciation for the nuanced ways light contributes to the feel of architectural spaces.

10. “Eco House Book” by Terence Conran

    • Remark: Covers various aspects of sustainable home design, with a section dedicated to energy-efficient and eco-friendly lighting options.
    • Applied: Guides readers toward making environmentally conscious choices in home lighting design, suitable for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

This selection spans a range of topics within lighting design, from professional manuals and technical guides to accessible introductions and inspirational accounts. Whether you’re a lighting design professional looking to refine your expertise or a general reader seeking to improve the lighting in your home or simply understand the role of light in design and art, these books illuminate the subject from multiple angles, offering insights, inspiration, and practical advice.