In my talk
given to the HANSE Light Conference in June of this year, I emphasized the
importance of looking at the works of artists when thinking about the importance
of light in the city. Artists are obviously great observers of light and in
such they capture light and shadow in their own unique way. There are great
examples, Hopper being one of my favorites. I always include Hopper in my talks
with students of lighting design and architecture wherever possible. I plead
for them to go into the museums and galleries and search out their own “light”
paintings. When contemplating light at night, and how one should light our cities,
I always suggest that students first take a stroll during the day and see
what the sun does to the buildings and the spaces between. One should observe carefully
how the architects have designed the buildings, the squares and streets to
interact with the sun to create the shadows that give form to space. Following intensive daylight observations it is easier for designers to use the forms and materials once recognised to create an appropriate light
and shadow concept for the nightscape.
