External Lighting for Historic Buildings - HELM

INTRODUCTION
Our historic buildings and monuments are often amazing feats of architecture and engineering.
Many have been enhanced and brought to life at night-time with striking and subtle external
lighting schemes. Some, however, have produced far more negative results by highlighting flaws and
views of the structure never meant to be seen. Just because a building or structure happens to
be listed does not mean this is a good enough reason to proceed with external lighting.
1a
There are a number of matters that should be examined
before progressing with a design.The most important of
these is the question, ‘Has a real need to install lighting
been established?’ The next must be the acceptance that
a simply technical approach is useless.
The main objectives of external lighting should be:
● to promote observation and experience of the site
against the night sky
1b
1c
● to give the building an added dimension which will
enhance its key architectural elements as well as its
social and historical significance
● to improve the quality of the nocturnal environment
by promoting safety, ie avoidance of trip hazards
● to enhance night-time orientation and use, which
could potentially benefit the local economy
Therefore an aesthetic, as well as a technical, approach
is essential and will ultimately govern the result.
When external lighting is executed with a well-designed
and co-ordinated scheme using the correct choice
of equipment, the environmental impact, ie light
pollution and overspill, can be minimised and the energy
efficiency maximised.
Subtle external lighting when designed with care and
sensitivity can bring added life and scope to some of
our most treasured landmarks. It becomes an extension
to the architecture, improving the quality of the view
and complementing the structure’s shape, colouration
and form. It gives an added dynamic by bringing the
‘soul’ back into a place, and can be likened to ‘painting
with light’.
1a
1b
1c
Kingston upon Thames Bridge. (Photograph courtesy of Sill Lighting)
The Poseidon Fountain, Witley Court, Worcestershire.
(EH photo library K971385)
Concentration of light on a prime local site.
1