The enchanting glow of city skylines at night owes much of its allure to the artistry and science of facade lighting. From ancient civilizations to modern metropolises, the practice of illuminating building exteriors has evolved into a captivating blend of history, culture, and cutting-edge technology. In this article, we delve into the fascinating journey of facade lighting, tracing its origins, pivotal moments, and the advanced technologies that have shaped its progression.
Facade Lighting – A Brief History
The roots of facade lighting can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where firelight and oil lamps served as the earliest sources of illumination. The 19th century marked a significant turning point in facade lighting with the introduction of gas lighting. This technology allowed for a more consistent and controlled illumination, transforming urban landscapes and enhancing the nighttime ambiance.
Landmarks like London’s Westminster Palace and Paris’s Place de l’Opéra became beacons of light, captivating observers with their newfound radiance. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of electricity, a transformative force that would revolutionize facade lighting. Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb paved the way for more practical and efficient lighting options. Cities worldwide rapidly embraced electric lighting, adorning their buildings with glowing fixtures that accentuated architectural features previously concealed in darkness.
The Circa Resort – A Case Study in the Modern Age of Facade Lighting
The mid-20th century brought about a renewed focus on architectural lighting design as an art form. Visionaries like Richard Kelly and Howard Brandston pioneered the concept of “architainment,” blending architecture and entertainment through innovative lighting techniques.
This era marked the birth of dynamic lighting displays that could transform a building’s appearance instantaneously, captivating audiences and establishing a deep emotional connection with the urban environment.
Take, for example, The Circa Resort in Las Vegas. In a city already famous for its fabulous lights, The Circa Resort took the image of “Vegas Lights” to the next level with the help of Steelman Partners (architect), Shop12 (lighting design), and SGM Light (fixtures).
The Circa Resort is one of the tallest buildings in Las Vegas with the hotel tower reaching 480 feet tall, 1.25 million square feet, and 512 rooms. Connected to the resort by a skybridge is the aptly named 9-story, 982 space parking garage: the Garage Mahal. SGM’s Video Pixel Linear (VPL) product puts the finishing touches on the Circa complex, tastefully grabbing the attention of passersby with dynamic pixel controlled media façade lighting.
Utilizing 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) of SGM’s VPL the dynamic façade welcomes visitors and guests with daylight visible media effects in circumference of the low rise entryway and Garage Mahal.
Technological Marvels of LED Lighting
The most significant technological leap in facade lighting came with the advent of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This energy-efficient, versatile, and programmable lighting solution completely transformed the field. LEDs allowed for precise control of color, intensity, and movement, enabling architects and designers to create mesmerizing light shows that narrate stories and evoke emotions.
A great example of facade lighting that can be changed for holidays, special events, and the different seasons is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located in Hershey Pennsylvania.
For this building, a mixture of SGM Lighting’s P6 and P2 fixtures were used to create the iconic illumination of the crescent facade. Illuminated Integration designed and installed the SGM fixtures that are color-tunable. These fixtures are paired with a DMX based lighting control system which allows the Medical Center to use the facade lighting as a backdrop to holiday productions which take place on the lawn.
Interactive and Smart Facade Lighting
In the 21st century, facade lighting has become more interactive and responsive than ever before. The rise of smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), means that buildings can “communicate” with their surroundings and inhabitants. Sensors and systems enable facades to adjust lighting based on factors such as weather conditions, occupancy levels, and even emotions of passersby, creating a dynamic, immersive urban experience.
Smart technology was used in the renovation of the 211 Tower in Pittsburgh, PA. This office building in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood was built in the late 1960’s, but was now considered something of an eyesore. Instead of an image-problem, Anthony Dolan of Alphabet City Management saw the stark white brick of the building as an opportunity. According to Dolan, “we adjusted the lighting program to take advantage of the unique white brick “canvas” that we had to work with. The white canvas allows us to really manipulate the color of the building at night and fully engage it with the neighborhood.”
Because Dolan’s vision required both mixed white light and full spectrum color be projected onto the facade, Alphabet City Management chose to utilize SGM’s i-2 with its ThermalDrive™ technology which could provide such flexibility.
In tandem with a Miranda DMX lighting control system from Pittsburgh-based Ben Peoples Industries, a built-in calendar provides an easy scheduling platform for both daily looks and planned holidays. The SGM installation transitioned the building into a neighborhood icon attracting positive attention from passersby.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approaches
In an age defined by environmental consciousness, facade lighting has embraced sustainable practices. Energy-efficient LED technology has significantly reduced the power consumption of lighting installations. Moreover, renewable energy sources such as solar panels are increasingly being integrated into facade lighting systems, making them self-sufficient and reducing their carbon footprint.
The Future of Grazing
One facade lighting practice that has become extremely popular in recent years is grazing. SGM Light recently announced the release of the i-1 Linear, the latest addition to their revolutionary product line.
The i-1 Linear is a cutting-edge lighting solution that offers long throw capabilities and industry-leading output, making it the first of its kind in the grazing market. The i-1 Linear X, the high power version in the i-1 line, roughly doubles the performance of most commonly specified products on the market with its industry-leading output.
It offers incredible flexibility and configurability with three length options, two LED engines, seven different optics, and various output levels.
According to SGM Light Project Manager, Jason Osterman, “the i-1 Linear will be a game-changer in the grazing market because its long throw capabilities and industry-leading output will make it a go-to solution for architects, lighting designers, and specifiers”
Projection Mapping: The Art of Transformative Illusions
One of the most awe-inspiring developments in modern facade lighting is projection mapping. This technique allows artists and designers to project intricate animations, designs, and narratives on building exteriors, effectively turning them into dynamic canvases. Projection mapping has been used to celebrate cultural events, convey social messages, and transform ordinary structures into extraordinary visual spectacles.
Future Horizons: AI and Augmented Reality
Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) holds boundless possibilities for facade lighting. AI algorithms can analyze real-time data to create responsive and context-aware lighting displays, while AR overlays can enhance the viewer’s perception by blending physical and digital realities. Imagine walking through a city where facades come to life, responding to your presence and engaging you in captivating narratives.
From flickering flames of ancient times to the sophisticated digital displays of today, the evolution of facade lighting is a captivating journey through human ingenuity and technological advancement. This fusion of art, architecture, and technology has reshaped our urban landscapes and kindled our collective imagination. As we move into an era where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds blur, the future of facade lighting promises to be a mesmerizing tapestry of creativity and innovation, continuing to illuminate the night and inspire generations to come.