Architectural Lighting

3/2/2006

In my practice, I am sometimes asked to improve or refurbish existing structures.  Given a good quality and generally proportionate building, one of the main cosmetic approaches would be its lighting.  The “wow” factor in architecture is often experienced at night.  In our country, we are only beginning to appreciate but have not fully explored this feature. 

In Europe, Paris for example, the grandness of their buildings is highlighted at night.  Although these buildings are also beautiful during the day, they look even more stunning at night because of proper well-studied lighting.  Their more popular city tour is the nightly river cruise where tourists can experience the grandeur of Paris while appreciating the beauty of the well-lit buildings, some of which are even adorned with gold leaf trim and domes that glitter and glow. 

Their bridges, buildings, and towers are artistically illuminated and showcased.  The elegance of these Parisian sights is to die for.  The Eiffel Tower alone has been installed with a wide variety of lighting effects, from computerized color change, to flashing bulbs that look like fireworks.  It gives a new appearance that makes the tower even more interesting. 

Our Asian neighbors, particularly Malaysia and Singapore, have also extensively applied architectural lighting in its cities.  Some of their buildings are now lit as dramatically as those in Europe. 

Let’s admit it… not the whole of Manila is picturesque.  But we do have buildings and architectural elements that have their own charm and that are worth showcasing.  At night, we can mask the unsightly aspects and focus those we would like to appreciate.  This is one good way to draw the tourist eye. 

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who seems to have a background in architecture, has already started the trend in lighting.  Hopefully, other city mayors will follow.  Our old churches, landmarks and heritage sites are things we should be proud of.  If only they could be properly lit at night, more people would appreciate their beauty.  It can raise the perception of having a well-kept metropolis. 

At times, the only thing necessary to refurbish structures would be the concealment of exposed wiring, the removal of old signs and posters, or the fixing of broken window panes.  Add a few lights, dim a few others, and there’s… Magic. 

Some people think that the cost of this endeavor would be prohibitive.  It probably used to be.  But now, there are so many affordable lighting systems that are cost-efficient energy-savers.  For example, a 75-watt metal halide lamp produces illumination equivalent to that of a 1,000-watt incandescent lamp.  It also lasts much longer than the old style lamps. 

Exterior lighting fixtures are weatherproof, which makes it ideal for our wet climate.  Lighting fixtures come in an endless range of shapes and sizes, from halogens to high-pressure sodium.  Fiber optics also holds an advantage and is already available locally.  These lamps can be controlled by computerized switches and dimmers for a more dramatic effect and to serve a variety of purposes. 

The procedures may sound complicated… and they are.  Which is why, it is now a must to consult a lighting design specialist to properly study the system and attain the desired results at the lowest possible cost, as well as to ensure energy efficiency and safety. 

Unfortunately, in Metro Manila, the best-lit structures are still the billboards.  There seems to be no letup to the employment of these hazardous structures, placed within densely populated areas.  (This, despite the fact that we are in a typhoon region.)  What a pity that our heritage sites are not as well valued! 

Private hospitals are obliged to have a number of charity wards for every 100 rooms.  Developers must provide a proportionate number of socialized housing for every development they undertake.  I hope advertisers can likewise do their share by lighting up monuments and heritage sites for the benefit of everyone (read:  potential customers). 

It is never too much to do our share in beautifying our existing structures.  The cost and effort are surmountable.  The benefits are immeasurable.