Landscape lighting or garden lighting refers to the use of outdoor illumination of private gardens and public landscapes; for the enhancement and purposes of safety, nighttime aesthetics, accessibility, security, recreation and sports, and social and event uses.
Light pollution exacerbated by excessive, misdirected or obtrusive use of light, but even carefully used light fundamentally alters natural conditions. As a major side-effect of urbanization, it is blamed for compromising health, disrupting ecosystems and spoiling aesthetic environments.
History
Early design
The public landscape and gardens have been illuminated for as long as interior structures have – for beauty, security, circulation, and social occasions; since ancient times by firelight from wood, candles, and animal-plant oil fells in torches, sconces and lanterns. Since the 17th century's introductions of new interior illumination fuels, the technology has then been used outdoors and in gardens. As systems were developed for power delivery, Gas lighting of the 19th century and electric light of the 20th century became part of exterior functioning and design.
Twenty-first century
Conventionally generated and sourced electricity remains the most used source for landscape lighting in the early twenty-first century. With the combination of increasing demand for more efficient lighting, increasing availability of sustainable designs, global warming considerations, and aesthetic and safety concerns in garden and landscape design the methods and equipment of outdoor illumination have been evolving. The increasing use of LEDs, solar power, low voltage fixtures, energy efficient lamps, and energy-saving lighting design are examples of innovation in the field.
Lighting components
There are many different types of landscape lighting systems, controls and switching, wiring connections, fixture types, functions-purposes-styles, and light sources. Components can include: Power connection to main property power source (code and permit determined) Transformers (12v and multi-tap transformers) Timers Light sensor switching (photocells) motion sensor switching Manual 'light switches' automated light switching units-systems remote lighting switching - on-property devices, off-site phone or online systems Electric wiring conduit - underground for line voltage, vulnerable locations, under or in constructed elements-pavements cable, wire - underground per codes for line and low voltage, above ground at stake-mounted and tree mounted fixtures. Light fixtures - fixed location - line voltage (120 V U.S. or 240 V Europe) and low voltage (12 V U.S.) Post mount - column mount Address light Wall mount Ceiling mount - hanging fixture Security lights Tree lights - up and down lights In-grade fixtures- uplights buried in-ground - top flush with surface Adjustable aim "bullet" - uplight sports court lights - i.e.: tennis courts portable fixtures "hard-wired" or "plug-in" 'wet location rated' interior style fixtures string lighting - "holiday lights" - bulbs and LED Light fixtures - low voltage (12V U.S.) - modest location adjustments path lights area lights uplights (directional, spot, and flood lights)- stake mount wall lights - surface mount tree-mount lights - down lights deck lights - surface mount well lights - mounted below grade hardscape lights- integrated into walls. step lights - recessed into catherine risers rope lighting - fiber optics
Underwater
Water features
swimming pools
hot tubs
plunge pools
water gardens
reflecting pools
fountains
garden ponds
constructed streams and waterfalls
Light sources - underwater
fixed mount fixtures - i.e.: pool wall light
movable uplights
fiber optic lights
floating fixture lights - rechargeable battery & solar photovoltaic
See also
Lighting designer
Garden designer
Landscape designer
Landscape architect
Lighting for the elderly
Architectural lighting design
References
Further reading
The Landscape Lighting Book; Janet Lennox Moyer; John Wiley and Sons; 2013; (cloth) (ebk.).