As a preteen, I visited my father in the hospital and, using the logic only available to my precocious self, decided what he needed to get well was better lighting and décor. The miasma of his hospital ward was little improved by the harvest gold and avocado décor and similarly hued lighting. I immediately wrote a letter to the president of the hospital, sharing my wisdom as only a nine-year-old girl can. While I promptly received a lovely letter in reply, the lighting and decor renovations took about a decade longer.
Lighting is vital to the success of a space. While this truth is no revelation to any lighting designer, architect or interior designer, it is the central tenet of LightSPEC, the new face of Architectural SSL. While LightSPEC will continue ArchSSL’s focus on lighting in architecture, with project showcases, lighting trends and basics articles, architectural lighting research and advances, and product introductions. In addition, we will focus on the people behind the lighting stories with designer profiles and interviews, perspectives from thought leaders and emerging professionals, and business and marketing strategies. LightSPEC also is the publication behind LightSPEC West, a Southern California regional event showcasing design and innovation in lighting for the built environment. (Learn more about LightSPEC West in our show guide beginning on page 13.)
In this, our first issue of LightSPEC, we celebrate lighting in architecture with a look at the thoughtful lighting design for the stunning and historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Carefully crafting a holistic design focused on the mosaics, sculpture, artwork and architecture, and their interplay with lighting, created a design that delights.
Also in this issue, we look at the advantages of acoustical lighting for educational environments such as classrooms and collaborative workspaces. Also, we explore how integrating technologies such as cloud-connected controls, integrated shading and tunable lighting can transform the occupant experience. A historic building renovation celebrates its Art Moderne facade, vaulted ceilings, exposed brick archways, timber joists and ductwork with a lighting design that brings a magical whimsy. Finally, in The Line Up, a new magazine department, we gain perspective on the evolving Southern California market from a lighting agency principal.
A lot has changed since my hospital visit, and my appreciation for the architecture, lighting and design has matured. I look forward to exploring the best of lighting in architecture with you.
Linda Becker
Linda Becker is editor-in-chief of LightSPEC (formerly Architectural SSL). She has more than 20 years of experience in B2B publishing, primarily focused on manufacturing and process applications. Since joining LightSPEC, she spends a lot of time appreciating lighting and the essential role it plays in how each of us experiences the world.
