Forgotten space: Lighting used to rejuvenate a sense of place at the University of Sheffield Concourse
Lighting professionals must go beyond the bare minimum to deliver sustainable outcomes for end users, says Dan Lister, president of the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), as well as Arup director and UK lighting practice leader.
During his presidential address in May, Lister told the audience that the industry ‘had a moral responsibility to provide the best possible solutions within given constraints.’
He said lighting engineers had to do more with less, and reducing carbon in lighting was at the forefront of the decarbonisation challenge for buildings.
Other critical issues facing the industry, he added, are emerging technology, changing regulations, and the role of artificial intelligence.
In his address, Lister issued a call to action for colleagues and SSL members to consider not just the calculable aspects of light – such as energy, embodied carbon, light spill and cost – but also the less tangible aspects, such as quality, perception, experience, visual comfort, and occupant comfort. He also told members to think about the needs of different parts of society.
Lister has seen the lighting industry evolve rapidly over the years, particularly with the advent of LED technology. ‘LEDs became prominent in the mid-2000s and quickly transformed the field,’ he explains.
Reflecting on this transition, he points out that lighting was used sparingly, historically, ‘because it was expensive to run and difficult to maintain’. With LEDs, however, designers gained the freedom to incorporate more light sources without the prohibitive costs.
Dan Lister
This newfound flexibility presents fresh challenges, such as overlighting and greater risk of introducing glare, says Lister, and industry is now having to look more closely at the balance between energy use and comfort.
He emphasises the importance of understanding these shifts. ‘We have early careers and young designers who have never known anything else but LEDs, and it can be hard to appreciate the challenges and limitations of older lighting methods.’
Understanding the evolution of lighting technology can lead to a more mindful approach to design, Lister adds, bringing the focus back to the occupiers of the space. He believes today’s lighting choices should be informed by past lessons learned.
‘One of the things we’re looking to do early next year is provide something to help early-career professionals understand older technology — to identify the pros and cons of what came before,’ he says.
Seeing the light: Lister’s career path
Dan Lister’s journey into the lighting industry was not something he anticipated, but rather something he ‘kind of fell into’.
With a background in electronic engineering, his initial exposure to lighting came during a placement with Arup in his second year of university, when he was introduced to the world of building services.
This experience gave him a new perspective on lighting and showed him it could transform spaces and people’s experiences of them. He was particularly drawn to how lighting design blends science and art.
‘I was fascinated by the way that engineering intersects with people — the artistry combined with numbers contribute to how you experience a space,’ says Lister.
This introduction to the field sparked a lifelong passion, leading to him pursuing a Master’s degree in light and lighting at University College London, a programme he describes as the foundation of his career.
Since then, Lister has worked on a vast array of projects, ranging from public infrastructure and environmental conservation to international museums and residential spaces.
New guide on creative lighting
‘I think we are missing the human aspect (beyond inclusive design) – If we are not lighting for the needs of people, why are we lighting it at all?’ Lister says. Part of this is understanding how good design can become great design, being far more than just functional – but creating atmosphere and supporting the experience of the individual.
This is where the upcoming creative lighting guide will be invaluable. It delves into the essential role of light in architecture; considering how light, both natural and artificial, transcends its functional purpose, becoming a crucial element in design.
Dan Lister
This guide addresses the architectural lighting design process, offering creative and practical guidance suitable for any project. It aims to complement existing standards bodies such as the SLL and the BSI, focusing on our role as designers to, where appropriate, challenge these standards to support innovative design.
The guide seeks to enhance the quality of lighting design across the built environment. It acknowledges the significant changes in the lighting industry, such as the advent of LEDs and the push for sustainable, inclusive, and health-conscious designs.
The guide is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but offers detailed considerations for various project stages, helping designers navigate the complexities of the modern and evolving landscape of lighting design.
Inclusive design
Lister also spoke during his presidential address about the need for inclusivity in lighting design, particularly for visually impaired and neurodiverse individuals.
‘We need to create better user experiences,’ he asserts. ‘If we aren’t lighting for people, then we’re missing the mark.’
By considering the needs of diverse populations, Lister believes lighting designers can create spaces that are not only visually appealing, but also accessible and comfortable for everyone.
‘Lighting has a role in adding social value,’ Lister says. ‘The more we can do to draw interest and bring value to society, the better.’
Naturally lit
On the environmental front, Lister is increasingly aware of how lighting affects biodiversity and natural habitats. In an ideal world, he believes lighters should aim for zero environmental impact and avoid lighting entirely.
Safety and practicality require a balanced approach, he says, where light levels and spectral properties are carefully managed to minimise ecological disturbance.
‘Technology has shown us different ways to achieve this balance, from dynamic controls that dim or turn off lighting at night to colour temperatures that minimise impacts on plants and nocturnal animals. It’s all about context,’ he explains, stressing that a ’race to zero’ should always be tempered by practical considerations.
Looking to the future, Lister is focused on how the industry can continue to evolve sustainably while also maintaining high design standards. He is involved in the development of industry standards, including TM65.2 and TM66, which provide frameworks for measuring and reducing embodied carbon.
Lister is encouraged by the alignment of manufacturers, designers, and standards bodies in pushing for sustainability: ‘The market will drive itself once everyone is aligned.’
For young engineers entering the field, Lister’s advice is to stay curious and open-minded. ‘Embrace everything,’ he says. ‘Don’t approach it purely as an engineer.’
At Arup, he works with a diverse team, half of whom don’t have engineering degrees. He believes this variety of backgrounds strengthens the field, blending science and art in unique ways.
Lister encourages newcomers to understand the basics and fundamentals of lighting, but to also think independently and creatively.
‘To be truly great, you need to adopt the guidance but think for yourself,’ he advises. For him, lighting design is about more than just numbers; it’s about connecting with people and creating meaningful experiences.
