One Bright Idea After Another . . .

By George Schmok

One of the things that makes this profession so diverse and interesting is the contrast between the work done to preserve the landscape from overuse, and the work done to highlight the landscape to its fullest.

One of the dividing lines is the use of light. In a wetland preservation project, light is often the enemy. Not just a dark sky issue, lights in a preserve are invasive and unnatural. In these kinds of projects, even low-level path lights and safety and security lighting are reluctant additions to the project. In this arena, one of the greatest new developments is the use of programmable LED lights. With adjustable spreads and the ability to colorize the light emitted, landscape professionals can be very specific where the light shines, and how bright the light is to those not directly in its beam.

If the light needs to be on a narrow path, adjust the spread to the path. If the light needs to be tamed, specify lamps to adjust the color to a hue that will keep the light on the path, but off the horizon. To accommodate such effects with the lighting technology of yesteryear was unbearably cumbersome, but with the advancements in LED technology, today?EUR??,,????'?????<

When it comes to getting attention with lighting and procuring safe and secure high-use landscapes, colored, dimmed and directional lighting is a growing trend made available with the same new technology. Other than a preservation project, lighting in a downtown or development is an absolute friend to the project, providing safety, security and invaluable access for people after the sun goes down. This is exemplified by the results from the most recent LASN survey in which ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Today, whether the project has subdued or surreal lighting, the landscape architect has more control over the outcome of the lighting than ever before. When needed, fixtures are easier to hide. When desired, fixtures are more decorative and innovative and, at the same time, more responsible and respective of others.

Lighting technology is changing in a bright way. From LED to MR-16, fiber optic, programmable, solar, low voltage and line voltage, et al., your options have expanded tremendously over the past decade or so. As with any new technology, there will be new practitioners who will try and stake claim to the design and use of the products in new developments. Lighting is an important element for the landscape architect. It is worth your time to make sure you have and continue to develop expertise in the new lighting technologies and keep it in your arena ?EUR??,,????'?????<

God Bless . . .

George Schmok, Publisher