LightGuide:

Landscape Lighting Design

Landscaping is a combination of horticulture and design to create an aesthetically pleasing exterior environment that will blend architecture into its natural surroundings. The style of architecture, geographic location and climate, as well as the terrain of the landscape are considered as the plan is designed. The best landscapes are those that seamlessly provide functionality while enriching the environment both visually and practically.

A well landscaped area will bring the outdoors in and the indoors out, providing comfort, beauty, safety and security. The outdoor “rooms” which can be created for dining, relaxation, hobbies, recreation and entertainment will require illumination for evening enjoyment. Landscape lighting is the icing on the cake! There are many lighting techniques that will not only enhance the outdoor living spaces, but can dramatically change them to compliment their nighttime functions.

Generally, there are several lighting techniques which are implemented in a landscape lighting design. As in any form of design, there are elements to consider such as color, form, pattern, texture and scale. The landscape is broken down into hardscapes or hard landscape elements such as patios, decks, walkways, walls, fences, pools, and water features, and softscapes or soft landscape elements- trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, etc.

The outdoor pathways should be illuminated for comfortable and safe movement throughout the landscape. It’s important to consider which areas are preferred and which are not. For instance, the path to the main entrance should invite guests to the home. The path from the patio, past the reflection pool and garden, might be softly illuminated to the hidden terrace which then has slightly higher levels of lighting. However, evening illumination is probably not required for the path to the compost pile! Often by lighting other items of interest, there is soft illumination reflected off the tree or wall which serves as pathlighting.

Uplighting large trees, interesting shrubs, rock walls, architectural details, and sculpture will create dramatic effects. Downlighting from large trees, pergolas, and gazebos produces soft, natural light that mimics moonlight. Backlighting, wall washing and shadowing create interesting effects against stone walls or textured surfaces. Crosslighting fountains, sculpture, specimen trees, interesting shrubs, flowers and grasses produce interesting shadows and reveal detail.

There are many other techniques and effects which can be implemented to complete the composition. The lighting should be soft and subtle and the lighting fixtures should blend with the landscape and not produce glare or harsh shadows. The lighting effect should be seen, not the source of light. A professional lighting designer will work with the landscape team to develop a design theme that reflects the goals of the client, meets the needs of the project and results in a uniquely personal mixture of design, comfort, effectiveness, and versatility.

ColorGuide:


Color is one of the most powerful communication tools and can influence mood, cause emotional and physiological reactions, and is used to capture our attention for a multitude of purposes. Advertisers utilize color to dramatically influence mood, stimulate the senses, and cause emotional and physical reactions. Color is the first thing we register when our brain processes a visual impulse therefore it is the most important element in design. The colors of an environment have a significant impact on the emotions and performance of the people within that environment.

There are colors that can increase metabolism, improve relaxation, increase productivity or cause eyestrain. Colors can create a feeling of warmth or coolness. We refer to red, orange and yellow as warm colors and those on the green, blue and purple side of the color spectrum are considered cool colors. While perceptions of color are subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning. The color green symbolizes nature and the natural world and is often used in interiors for its calming effect. Colors trigger physical as well as emotional responses. Red has been shown to stimulate the senses and raise the blood pressure, while blue has the opposite effect and calms the mind.

So, what is color and how do you choose the best colors for your environment? Color is light and light is energy. The wavelengths of light are either absorbed or reflected off an object, depending on the object’s makeup. The reflected wavelengths are what we perceive as the object's color. For example, if you are looking at a blue wall, the reflected light that the eye sees is blue because the wall absorbs all the other colors. Choosing the right colors can be difficult as there are thousands of options. Begin by finding the colors that help to create the mood or atmosphere you want to achieve.

Color balance and harmony are the keys to a pleasing color scheme. The variations of tones and combinations of shades and tints are adjusted to achieve visual harmony and the desired psychological effect. Color balance and harmony are subjective, so often people just need a little guidance to find their personal color palette. It is important to note that there are no poor colors, only poor color combinations.

A color consultant can help to determine the best color palette for a specific environment based on the occupant’s needs and the functionality of the space. Because color is so subjective, the color consultant will develop a color scheme that results in a comfortable and satisfying environment that compliments the client.

“Light, that first phenomenon of the world, reveals to us the spirit and living soul of the world through color.” ~ Johannes Itten Bauhaus colorist