The Lighting Design Certificate is a program focused on the design and application of light in
architecture. The certificate program explores daylighting, electric lighting and computational lighting analysis for architecture. Its purpose is to give students an extensive education focused on using sustainable approaches to light in architecture. The core knowledge areas that are covered include conceptual design, daylighting design, lighting metrics, site studies, lighting technology, computer modeling and lighting integration.

REQUIREMENTS

The certificate is designed to be completed with the professional degree programs in architecture (2+ or 3+ year M. Arch. program). 24 credits are required from three components:

 

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CORE COURSES

Arch 435 | Principles and Practices of Environmental Lighting (3)

Arch 498 | Architectural Lighting Design (3)

Arch 535 | Advanced Daylighting Seminar (3)

Arch 582 | Computational Lighting Design and Analysis (3)

CONTEXT COURSES [ 3 Credits Needed]

Arch 410 | Introduction to Architectural Photography (3)

Arch 434 | Color and Light (3)

Arch 589 | Simulation Based Design (3)

Arch 600 | Independent Study (1-3) *
            * as approved by faculty

THESIS

Arch 700 | Thesis (9)

ARCH 498 | Architectural Lighting Design (3)

This course further expands from Arch 435 on how to design and utilize electric light to enhance the built environment. The objectives of this course are: to advance the student’s use and awareness of light in architecture, to expose the student to all aspects of the lighting industry, and to teach and utilize the tools of lighting design in student projects.

Architectural Lighting Design course website

Offered: Autumn

Prerequisite: ARCH 435 or permission of instructor.

ARCH 535 | Advanced Daylighting Seminar (3)

Through lectures, discussions, design work, and tours of significant built projects, class participants will gain an in-depth understanding of daylighting design and the importance of daylight as a design element. Weekly site visits will engage students with extraordinary projects being done by leading design teams in the Seattle/Puget Sound Area. Discussion topics include: cultural and physiological aspects of daylight, climate, design strategies, simulation techniques, and technical considerations for daylight performance. Advanced design strategies will be explored through the development and testing of concepts using physical simulation methods.

Offered: Spring

Prerequisite: ARCH 435 or permission of instructor.

ARCH 582 | Computational Lighting Design and Analysis (3)

Computational Lighting Design and Analysis is an innovative course that draws from recent developments in lighting simulation, visualization, per-pixel data measurement and analysis techniques. It will provide the student with an understanding of the theoretical aspects of computer applications for lighting design and analysis, and the practical knowledge of tools and techniques that enhance the integration of the lighting analysis into the architectural design process.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography: HDR photography is a computational photography technique where multiple exposure photographs are fused into a single HDR image. A single HDR image captures an entire array of lighting measurement data with a common digital camera.

Lighting simulation / visualization: Students will learn how to perform lighting simulation and visualizations using Ecotect and Radiance.

Computational Lighting Design and Analysis course website

Offered: Spring

ARCH 410 | Introduction to Architectural Photography (3/5)

Basic elements and processes of architectural photography to include camera controls, exposure technique, photo processing, and fundamental principles of photographing architecture. Teaches students to look at the effects of light on architectural form. Student must provide own 35 mm (or larger) camera with manual operating controls.

Offered: Autumn, Winter, Spring

ARCH 434 | Color and Light (3)

Classes will include lectures on color theory, color ordering systems, color and light, and color consulting. For each of these topics students are given projects focusing on specific issues in color and design. The assignments are designed to both help you understand color through experience, and form attitudes which will become the basis for your use of color in future projects. The class will be conducted as a seminar and lab, and include field trips and guest lectures.

The assigned projects deal with the following issues:
1. Color and value using watercolor and color paper.
2. Color contrast in Seattle architecture.
3. Color contrasts in light at the Chapel of St. Ignatius.
4. Color and daylight in a 'room' model.
5. Color and illusion: changing form with color.
6. Using color conceptually in individual projects

Offered: Winter

ARCH 589 | Simulation Based Design (3)

Simulation based design is a course that focuses on computational simulation tools and techniques to evaluate the performance of a design or design alternatives, starting at earliest conceptual design phases to help architects to make informed design decisions. Designer-friendly simulation and performance analysis tools makes it possible to play around and experiment with design ideas and alternatives (to evaluate whether they work or not) in a quick and efficient way. Topics include solar, lighting, thermal and acoustical analyses.

Simulation Based Design Course Website

Offered: Winter

ARCH 600 | Independent Study (1-3)*

Working with a faculty advisor, students may pursue independent study of lighting topics. Examples include further exploration of lighting in studio projects, theoretical research, and in-depth lighting design competitions. Credits are determined by consensus of students and advisor. Can be taken multiple times.

Offered: Autumn, Winter, Spring

*as approved by faculty

ARCH 700 | Thesis (9)

Students must complete a thesis with an emphasis in lighting to receive the Lighting Design Certificate. This may be a design thesis or a theory/research thesis.

Offered: Spring

More information on the MArch Thesis requirements