Last January, the UN proclaimed 2015 the “International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies.” At the heart of many current concerns – mainly linked to its energy aspects – the issue of lighting materials has still not been sufficiently taken into account. In architecture, notably, whether it is natural or artificial, light is a genuine instrument in any project and an indispensable aid in urban life. Run by Olivier Namias, guest editor in chief, this special issue of L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui explores this important topic and its different dimensions; ambiances, colours, textures and materials, perception, visual comfort and health.
This special issue presents the lighting material evolution in the history of architecture as well as a broad selection of projects of various scales – design, architecture and territory –, each part enriched by an interview with a specialist: architect, engineer or biologist. From the Gabriel chandelier at the Château de Versailles (Studio Bouroullec) to the “Foresta Lumina” light installation in Quebec (Moment Factory) and the luminous façade of the Cinemacity multiplex in Beirut (Caï Light), architects and lighting designers constantly innovate in the presentation of this power source. AA also decided to highlight 16 of Lyon’s permanent lighting installations, a pioneering city in this field, that create a global night landscape. To go further, 10 products, 6 books and a list of training programs and websites complete this publication. A seasonal reading, to be discovered at newsstands from 18 December 2015.
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AA Perspectives special issue – Lighting, 72 pages, €10, to be ordered here.
Edited with the support of Lyon Métropole.