Façade lighting: a short guide for architects and developers
Façade lighting is part of the architecture at night. It is also exposed to rain, dust, vandalism and maintenance constraints. Good results come from early coordination and a few disciplined technical choices.
Start with the idea of the building
Decide what the building should say at night. Do you want to emphasise structure, texture, volume or entrances? A clear concept avoids an accumulation of bright spots with no hierarchy.
Choose the right technique
- Grazing: light skimming a surface to reveal texture.
- Washing: even illumination of a wall or cladding.
- Highlighting: accents on columns, entrances or details.
- Contour or linear lighting: drawing edges or lines.
Technical points that matter
- Ingress protection: fittings exposed to rain and washing generally need a high IP rating. Check the rating against the actual exposure.
- Impact resistance: reachable fittings should have an appropriate IK rating.
- Materials and corrosion, especially in coastal or polluted environments.
- Colour temperature and colour consistency across the whole façade.
- Thermal management and expected lifetime in outdoor conditions.
Control the light
Use schedules and dimming. Many façades do not need full brightness all night, and a reduced level after the evening saves energy and reduces nuisance.
Limit light pollution and glare
Shield sources, avoid light directed upward or into neighbours’ windows, and respect local rules on outdoor lighting. Well-aimed, lower-intensity light often looks better than more light.
Plan access and maintenance
Decide early where power supplies and drivers sit, how cables run through the cladding, and how a technician reaches a fitting. Lighting that cannot be maintained will be switched off.
Coordinate early with the façade team
Fixing points, openings, cable routes and tolerances need to be resolved with the architect and the façade contractor. Late decisions lead to visible cables and fittings in the wrong place.
Commission at night
Aiming and levels should be adjusted on site, in the dark, with the design team present. A few hours of adjustment make a visible difference.
Need support?
We occasionally advise on façade lighting, from concept to fixture selection and coordination with the project team.