9 tips for lighting a building

9 Tips for

LIGHTING A BUILDING

1. Define your goals.Lighting a building can serve a number of purposes. Think about what you are trying to achieve. Are your goals purely aesthetic? Or are you trying to raise awareness and generate support for a place that really needs help? How you answer these questions will influence the rest of your choices going forward.

2. Make a timeline.Are you looking for long-term illumination, or is this a one-off installation meant to raise awareness and visibility? These details are critical because they directly affect your bottom line.

3. Nail down your budget.Architectural lighting can get pricey, especially with bigger buildings. If you need help, consider reaching out to local foundations or corporations for grants or sponsorships. Also consider crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to engage local residents and neighbors.

4. Outline your plan.What should the building look like? What additional visual elements will convey your message, attract attention, or communicate more directly? Also, consider projecting photos or videos of the building during its heyday on the facade to remind the public of its value and history.

5. Go the DIY Route…You will be amazed by the impact a few $20 flood lights and extension cords can have on a place that would otherwise be lost in the night. There are tons of illumination options just waiting for you at your local hardware store.

6. …or find a vendor.There are companies that specialize in architectural lighting everywhere. If specialists are out of reach but you’re not sure of your ability or skill set, consider consulting local event planners.

7. Don’t break the law.Sometimes lighting is easy. Other times, it comes with a flood of permits and review processes. Make sure you have all your permissions in place. Never stage an installation on private property without the owner’s consent.

Sometimes lighting is easy. Other times, it comes with a flood of permits and review processes. Make sure you have all your permissions in place. Never stage an installation on private property without the owner’s consent.

8. Make it an event.Everyone loves suspense. Plan a community event to flip the switch. This is a great way to garner media attention, engage local stakeholders and elected officials, and recognize sponsors. This is your chance to create a memorable moment for your place. Have some fun with it.

9. Document everything.Make sure you capture high-res photos and videos of the illumination. Having these assets will spread the word for your cause. Make them readily available to reporters and share on social media.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s historic places. Preservation Tips & Tools helps others do the same in their own communities.

For more information, visit SavingPlaces.org.

Photos courtesy: A. Strakey/Flickr/CC BY-NC ND 2.0; art_inthecity/Flickr/CC BY-2.0; Brennan Cavanaugh/Flickr/CC BY-NC 20; ccarlstead/Flickr/CC BY-NC ND 2.0; Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0; Rex Hammock/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0; Kecko/Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0; Christ Geatch/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0; ehpien/Flickr/CC BY-NC ND 2.0; grolli77/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0