NG2S853 - Architectural Lighting Design 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2024 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG2S853
Module Title: Architectural Lighting Design
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Rob Locke
Module Team: Ian Williams
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2024

Module Aims

Light is fundamental for architecture and essential for human well-being. Lighting quality affects human behavior, comfort, health, efficiency, safety and security. This module will provide you with an understanding of the importance of good lighting design in urban areas, buildings and interiors.

You will broaden the range of lighting practices and processes that you are familiar with, focusing specifically on non-entertainment lighting. Technical and problem solving skills will be developed and you will have the opportunity to research, design and implement an appropriate lighting scheme for a realised project.

Content Summary

In this module you will:

  • Study history & theory: Light and architecture –historical and cultural aspects of lighting.
  • Develop your understanding of physiology and perception: visual perception, health, emotions and psychology of light and space; defining space, understanding of light and interaction with materials, textures, and colours.
  • Investigate daylighting and it’s role in quality lighting. Daylight design and control: shading systems, use of fenestration, types of glass and film.
  • Expand your knowledge of lighting technologies and their choice and application: Electric light: lamps/characteristics and solid state technology.
  • Learn design and application principles, concepts and guidelines for wallwashing, floodlighting, accent lighting, beam angle studies.
  • Develop your skills in using lighting documenation: Reading architectural drawings, reflected ceiling plans, lighting layouts, luminaire schedule and product datasheets and technical writing/specifications.
  • Create design concepts and lighting layouts including cultural/social context; client requirements, user groups, time spent in the space, activities pursued, lighting layouts, luminaire schedule and product datasheets.
  • Understand current legislation relevant to architectural lighting industry
  • Apply lighting calculations via formulas, computer simulations, and understanding of photometry.
  • Develop your presentation skills and communication techniques: visual imagery, photoshop, modelling and narratives.
  • Study a range of dimming and controls including building systems (HVAC); Energy efficiency; ecological issues; sustainability (design and reality of integrating lighting within the fabric of a building and coordination with other trades).

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 72
Directed Study 80
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Assess and make design decisions demonstrating comprehension of regulations and artistic requirements.
LO2 Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of lamp and luminaries technologies along with power and control systems applicable to them.
LO3 Present information, ideas and arguments using communication techniques appropriate to the intended audience.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Architectural lighting design realisation 0 2500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Research project into an area of architectural lighting 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)
Essay 1

Reading List

UK, Institution of Lighting Professionals (2013) PLG04 Guidance on undertaking environmental lighting impact assessments, ILP 

UK, Institution of Lighting Professionals (2015) PLG05 The brightness of illuminated advertisments, ILP 

UK, Institution of Lighting Professionals (2014) PLG06 Guidance on installation and maintenance of seasonal decorations and lighting column attachments, ILP 

UK, Institution of Lighting Professionals (2005) GP09: Lighting the Environment - A Guide to good urban lighting, ILP 

UK, Institution of Lighting Professionals (2007) GP12: Towards Understanding Skyglow, ILP

UK, CIBSE (2012) Guide to Limiting Obtrusive Light, CIBSE

UK, Society of Light and Lighting (2004) Lighting Guide 12: Emergency Lighting Design Guide, SLL

UK, Society of Light and Lighting (2014) Lighting Guide 10: Daylighting - A Guide for Designers: Lighting for the Built Environment, SLL

UK, Society of Light and Lighting (2013), Lighting Guide 9: Lighting for Communal Residential Buildings, SLL

UK, Society of Light and Lighting (2005) Lighting Guide 7: Office Lighting, SLL 

UK, Society of Light and Lighting (2013) Lighting Guide 9: Lighting for Communal Residential Buildings, SLL

Benya, J. (2012) Lighting Design Basics, John Wiley & Sons

Boyce, P. (2014) Human Factors in Lighting, CRC Press

Bean, R. (2014) Lighting: Interior and Exterior, Routledge

Livingston, J. (2014) Designing with Light: The Art, Science and Practice of Architectural Lighting Design, John Wiley & Sons