Blinded by the lights

In the depths of a global economic crisis and with mounting pressure on creating smarter, greener lighting, Liz Moody discusses the future of architectural lighting within the Middle East and how the region is responding to light pollution, sustainability and energy efficiency.

It was not so long ago that lighting design as a discipline in and of itself didn't exist; for decades it remained an overlooked, underappreciated element in the building process.

Fast forward to the present day and lighting design is a bona fide discipline that combines science, art and architecture with pressing issues like energy efficiency, light pollution and sustainability.

With the celebration of lighting-based milestones and the creation of dedicated associations such as the PLDA (Professional Lighting Designers Association) and the IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers)-which together boast more than 1200 international members-it is clear that lighting design has become more than just illumination.

Add to this the environmental issues with which we've all become familiar, and we find lighting in the middle of a complex debate. The question is simple: How is the Middle East achieving green lighting?

Light pollution

Environmentalists throughout the region have long been raising concerns over light pollution and-with its night sky ‘glow'-Dubai is at the forefront of the criticism.

Throughout the urban centre, stars in Dubai are often difficult to spot, particularly in the older areas of the city where projectors litter walkways and serve as evidence of the massive up-lighting used to flood facades-an installation lighting professionals consider detrimental to both buildings and the environment. Not only does this type of lighting flatten and wash out the architecture of the building, but approximately 40% of the light directed at the building is lost into the sky.

This is not to suggest that flood lighting isn't an acceptable method of illumination, but lighting professionals agree it should only be specified after mathematical formulas have been used to choose a scheme that accentuates the building and minimises light pollution.

"Previously, the tactic was to be the brightest building and outshine neighbouring developments, but unfortunately, this led to overly illuminated structres," explains Paul Miles, head of lighting design at WSP Middle East.

"The main misconception is that identifiability of a building can only be achieved through an excess use of light sources and/or a higher quantity of luminaires, which is simply not the case. With the correct lighting design, the same effect can be achieved, but with controlled and efficient light sources."

The region has been witnessing an influx of international lighting professionals-and not just from independent lighting design houses.

In fact, architecture and engineering practices have begun establishing their own lighting divisions, which reiterates the strength of the discipline and encourages collaboration between architects, engineers and lighting designers in the formative stages.

Along with the arrival of world renowned lighting suppliers, the region's understanding of lighting methods and technologies is raising the bar.

"Quality manufacturers are working hard to minimise the affects of light pollution through the development of sustainable and efficient LED product solutions," explains Sergio Pedula, light planning manager of iGuzzini Middle East.

"However, it is crucial that they are integrated correctly into a building and this is why input from design to installation is imperative. Too often, lighting can be an afterthought and there are always telling signs to prove this."

Alexandro Montanari, managing director of Targetti Poulsen Middle East, further illustrates the importance of quality lighting design.

"When a lighting designer is appointed, it is a good sign the client is serious...without them lighting can easily be overlooked. Quality shows. Low quality products compromise a design as they often fail or need replacement...quality products with a longer life and lower energy consumption lessen the need to manufacture replacements and reduce operational costs."

Energy efficiency

So, if the Gulf is to become ‘greener', light pollution as well as sustainability and energy efficiency must be addressed. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's ‘green buildings' decree is confirmation of Dubai's commitment to sustainability in the region and with the introduction of LEED, the importance of efficient and sustainable lighting solutions has become very clear.

Despite a drive toward eco-friendliness, when facing the financial commitment, some developers still seem hesitant.

"There is, of course, no law enforcement of the guidelines and, at present, many do not focus on achieving LEED certification, [instead] caring more for the building's commerciality," explains Nathan Savage, Associate at dpa Lighting Consultants.

"This is why the employment of an intelligent design team is imperative. Architects appreciate good lighting design and as responsible designers we maintain equilibrium between client requirements and our professional lighting design approach."

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