There is more to outdoor lighting design than simply stringing path lights. In my role as designer for LandArts, an Apex, NC landscape company I try to keep the following objectives in mind:
Create a mood or atmosphere
Maintain an overall sense of balance through symmetry or rhythmic repetition
Highlight focal points
Develop a sense of cohesion where the eye moves naturally from one element to the next with no visual breaks (no black holes!)
Enhance safety and security
Some of the outdoor lighting techniques used to achieve these objectives are:
- Uplighting
Illuminating trees or architectural features from below creates a point of visual interest while reflecting a soft glow of light onto the landscape.
- Downlighting
Involves placing fixtures above eye level to provide efficient lighting for recreation or security.
- Crosslighting
A flattering method of highlighting any feature using multiple beams to soften shadows and reveal more detail.
- Shadowing
If a tree or other feature is located near a wall, placing lights in front of the object will create interesting shadows on the surface beyond.
- Silhouetting
Is the opposite of shadowing. Positioning lighting behind and below an object can create a spectacular silhouette.
- Pathlighting
Enhances safety while welcoming visitors to the home and garden.
- Moonlighting
Simulates the natural light of a full moon filtering through a tree’s branches casting dappled shadow patterns on the ground.
LandArts designs and installs outdoor lighting systems for the entire Triangle area including
Apex, Cary and Raleigh NC. Contact us at 919-303-0787 or email at info@landartslandscaping.com to schedule a consultation.
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