Light what deserves attention, and leave the rest in dignified shadow!

In this interaction, Lighting Architect Dr. Sven shares his insights on how thoughtful lighting not only transforms buildings but entire cityscapes. He walks us through his design philosophy for lighting high rises in an energy-efficient and creative way.

As the norm goes, a lighting design must be customised to each space and its purpose. What is your creative process when designing lighting for high rises?
I treat the process of designing lighting for high-rise buildings much like composing music for a grand concert. Every note — every beam — must suit its part in the score.
The first step is context. Understanding the building’s architecture, the surrounding skyline, and the cultural identity of the area. In Dubai, for example, the city’s night-time panorama is a stage in itself, so the lighting must stand out without being overly attention-grabbing.
The second step is storytelling. High-rises are landmarks in themselves; they have a visual presence both up close and from far away. I work closely with architects to identify and understand what architectural features to highlight — vertical lines for elegance, horizontal accents for stability, or dynamic lighting for a sense of movement.
The third and most important is human experience. Lighting must invite and guide from the street level; it should inspire from a distance. Balancing these two perspectives is where the art of design meets the science of lighting!

Can you walk us through your philosophy for façade lighting? And the best practices to achieve energy efficiency in façade lighting?
For me, façade lighting is like the evening attire of a building — it must enhance its natural beauty, not disguise it. The philosophy is simple: light what deserves attention, and leave the rest in dignified shadow. I avoid over-illumination, which not only wastes energy but also diminishes visual impact.
Whether it is façade lighting or overall lighting, energy efficiency starts at the planning stage. My best practices include: LED lights with high efficacy ratings — delivering more light per watt; optical precision, using lenses and shields so every lumen lands exactly where intended; smart controls that adjust intensity based on time of night or occupancy; zoning the façade into controllable sections to avoid lighting the entire building when only partial illumination is needed. This approach means the façade becomes a dynamic canvas — sometimes vibrant, sometimes subtle — but always efficient.

What strategies do you adopt to integrate natural light with artificial lighting to generate more sustainable designs?
Natural light is the world’s oldest and most sustainable light source, but in large-scale projects, artificial lighting is unavoidable — the key is harmony! My approach to this integration begins with daylight mapping. Using simulation tools, I study how sunlight interacts with the building across seasons and hours. This allows us to position artificial lighting only where and when natural light falls short. For interiors, we often use daylight sensors so that artificial light only activates when required. For example, in a glass-wrapped lobby, fixtures may stay at 10 per cent output during the day and gradually increase as the sun sets. In façade lighting, reflective materials and light-coloured surfaces help extend daylight into the evening glow, requiring less artificial brightness. The goal is not to replace sunlight, but to make the transition smooth and almost invisible so that the building feels alive from dawn to midnight.

How is technology enabling energy-efficient light designs?
The lighting industry is in a golden age of innovation. Today’s technology allows us to achieve brilliance with far less energy than ever before. LED evolution will enable fixtures to last over 100,000 h with minimal energy consumption. Smart grids and IoT controls allow centralised monitoring, making it possible to dim, switch, or change colours in real time based on occupancy or energy demand. Solar integration is now more viable — solar-powered façade elements are becoming a popular choice for projects where grid energy use must be minimal. Dynamic lighting scenes can adjust to weather, reducing energy use during clear, bright nights. Technology also gives us data, and with data, we can refine designs year after year to become even more efficient.

How does lighting design influence sustainable architecture?
Sustainable architecture is about reducing the environmental footprint without sacrificing beauty or human comfort. Lighting design plays a vital role in this mission. First, a sustainable lighting design uses less energy. But equally important, it reduces light pollution, preserving the night sky and respecting the surrounding environment. Second, it extends the life of a building’s aesthetic appeal. A timeless lighting design avoids frequent replacements or redesigns. Third, it supports human well-being. Well-designed light promotes safety, guides movement, and even enhances mood — making a space more enjoyable and thus more sustainable!

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