Lighting strategies in landscape architecture

1. LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DESIGN
This refers to the use of outdoor illumination for gardens,
public landscapes and private lands. There are various
reasons for landscape lighting such as:

2. • Safety and security
Certain places within the outdoors or landscape require an elaborate
lighting design especially at night for safety reasons by improving
visual clarity when accessing pathways, steps and to discourage
burglars and thieves from hiding in dark areas.
• Aesthetics
Lighting can be used to highlight features, create shadows and
contrast which creates an intriguing outdoor space with visual appeal.

3. Based on the various functions, landscape lighting
design can be divided into three main categories.
These are:
General lighting- Provides illumination for a whole
outdoor space
Task lighting- Used for a specific purpose e.g to light a
path or gazebo
Accent lighting- Draws attention to an interesting
object or feature within the landscape
When reviewing layout considerations when
landscape lighting, it is necessary to take note of: the
desired view from indoors, focal points, sense of
depth intended to be achieved.

4. Lighting strategies for landscapes

5. • Down-lighting
This method uses lighting fixtures to create diffuse gentle
light by mounting them on a higher elevation facing
downwards.
One such example is moonlighting whereby fixtures are
placed high up above structures or in between tree foliage
to illuminate the areas below

6. •Up-lighting
Fixtures that light from the ground upwards are used
especially for soft plantings and trees to show the
foliage. Also used for fences and sculptures.

7. • Shadowing
Light fixtures are placed directly in front of a tree,
shrub or sculpture to create interesting shadows on
the surfaces behind. The plant or object forms a
silhouette. This method of landscape lighting is
especially suitable when there are many layers and
textures outdoors or when a plant has a defined
leaf structure or growth habit.
•Cross-lighting
This lighting strategy eliminates
shadows by lighting a space
or focal point from both sides. It is
usually used for pedestrian
pathways and vehicular driveways.

8. The following areas should be considered when
lighting outdoors;
Paths – A well-lit path is necessary for safety
reasons, providing the necessary illumination that
makes navigation within the landscape easier.
However, high illumination is not necessary as this
might cause glare. Down-lighting and cross-
lighting fixtures are used here to illuminate any
possible obstacles so as to make maneuvering
easier

9. Driveways- Low voltage landscape lighting should be used since most
cars will have their headlights on when driving through.
Ballard lights which are cylindrical tube-shaped fixtures are used for
lighting driveways by being placed at a suitable height for cars.
Steps- Should be lit for safety and
aesthetic appeal. Step lights mounted
onto the sides of steps or strip lights
mounted onto the risers or treads produce
a light beam that illuminates each step in
a row.

10. Entries- Place floodlights overhead or on each side of a door for
the front, side and back entries to increase security.
Decks or patios- Task lighting can be
used for outdoor kitchen, fire-pits,
grilling and seating areas located on
decks. Diffuse down-lighting fixtures are
used for this purpose to avoid glare. For
an indirect effect, up-lighting fixtures can
be used for deck overhangs. Decorative
string lights are also used for ambient
lighting in decks and patios.

11. Water features- Waterproof spotlights and mirror-lights are used in
water features to create a soft glow that produces a striking impact
since water glows differently than other landscape features. Spotlights
can be used to draw attention to a sculpture or interesting water
feature.
Architectural features- To enhance the exterior architectural
features such as stonework details and pillars, floodlights are used
since they have a higher wattage and wider beam angle. Wall wash
lights are a type of floodlight used to illuminate across a large
surface such as exterior walls. Built elements in the landscape like
pergolas and gazebos are also lit in this way.

12. Trees and soft plantings- Trees are ideal for up-lighting especially
when they have a unique branch structure or colored back which
makes them a focal point within the landscape. Down-lights placed
within the branches illuminate the garden beds or paths below the
trees.

13. LANDSCAPE LIGHT POLLUTION
This occurs when outdoor lighting is poorly installed or light
fixtures with excessive light are used which in turn causes
glare and raises the energy expenses. To prevent landscape
light pollution, the following measures can be taken:
Control the landscape lighting durations- Invest in separately
zoned light fixtures with motion sensors, controls, dimmers
and timers to ensure the outdoor lights only switch on when
necessary.
Reduce wattage- Light fixtures with higher wattage often
produce harsh light that neither improves security nor
aesthetic purposes. Opt for low voltage light fixtures that
provide the landscape with sufficient illumination.

14. Carefully aim the light- Monitor the light fixtures at
night after installation to rightfully position them
within the landscape to avoid glare.
Shield the bulbs- The outdoor lighting fixtures should be
fitted with shielding and reflectors to focus on desired