What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas

Lighting design is a craft that has evolved over the past 500 years,with each historical period modifying how and why light is used in performance. This book explores the central ideas of lighting design and how they have developed,and is designed as a main course text for History of Lighting Design university courses and a supplementary text for Lighting Design, Stagecraft, and Scenography courses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Lighting design is a multifaceted craft that has evolved over centuries, shaped by various cultural, artistic, and technological influences. Its origins can be traced back to the Renaissance in the West, where the use of light in performance began to gain prominence. Since then, lighting design has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the changing needs and aesthetics of different periods.

In this comprehensive book, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas," the author delves into the history of lighting design, exploring the ideas and concepts that have shaped this craft. The book begins by tracing the development of lighting design from the Renaissance to the present day, examining the various historical periods and their impact on the use of light in performance.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of the consensus around the purpose of lighting design. Throughout history, lighting designers have sought to create environments that enhance the visual and emotional impact of performances. However, the methods and techniques used to achieve this have varied widely, reflecting the technological advancements and artistic preferences of different eras.

The book also discusses the basic components of lighting design, including light sources, light fixtures, and lighting instruments. It explores the different types of light sources available, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light, and their respective characteristics and applications. It also examines the design and construction of light fixtures, including their shape, size, and materials, and how they can be used to create specific lighting effects and moods.

In addition to its historical and technical aspects, lighting design is also concerned with the artistic and expressive aspects of light. The book explores the role of lighting designers in creating visually stunning and emotionally powerful performances, using lighting to convey mood, atmosphere, and narrative. It discusses the use of color, contrast, and texture in lighting design, as well as the techniques used to create dynamic and engaging lighting scenes.

Lighting design is a multidisciplinary field that involves collaboration between lighting designers, performers, directors, and other creative professionals. The book emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in lighting design, and discusses the role of lighting designers in shaping the overall aesthetic and narrative of performances.

Overall, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in lighting design, whether they are students, professionals, or simply enthusiasts. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history, theory, and practice of lighting design, offering a deeper understanding of this multifaceted craft.

Lighting design is a multifaceted craft that has evolved over centuries, shaped by various cultural, artistic, and technological influences. Its origins can be traced back to the Renaissance in the West, where the use of light in performance began to gain prominence. Since then, lighting design has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the changing needs and aesthetics of different periods.

In this comprehensive book, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas," the author delves into the history of lighting design, exploring the ideas and concepts that have shaped this craft. The book begins by tracing the development of lighting design from the Renaissance to the present day, examining the various historical periods and their impact on the use of light in performance.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of the consensus around the purpose of lighting design. Throughout history, lighting designers have sought to create environments that enhance the visual and emotional impact of performances. However, the methods and techniques used to achieve this have varied widely, reflecting the technological advancements and artistic preferences of different eras.

The book also discusses the basic components of lighting design, including light sources, light fixtures, and lighting instruments. It explores the different types of light sources available, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light, and their respective characteristics and applications. It also examines the design and construction of light fixtures, including their shape, size, and materials, and how they can be used to create specific lighting effects and moods.

In addition to its historical and technical aspects, lighting design is also concerned with the artistic and expressive aspects of light. The book explores the role of lighting designers in creating visually stunning and emotionally powerful performances, using lighting to convey mood, atmosphere, and narrative. It discusses the use of color, contrast, and texture in lighting design, as well as the techniques used to create dynamic and engaging lighting scenes.

Lighting design is a multidisciplinary field that involves collaboration between lighting designers, performers, directors, and other creative professionals. The book emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in lighting design, and discusses the role of lighting designers in shaping the overall aesthetic and narrative of performances.

Overall, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in lighting design, whether they are students, professionals, or simply enthusiasts. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history, theory, and practice of lighting design, offering a deeper understanding of this multifaceted craft.

Lighting design is a multifaceted craft that has evolved over centuries, shaped by various cultural, artistic, and technological influences. Its origins can be traced back to the Renaissance in the West, where the use of light in performance began to gain prominence. Since then, lighting design has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the changing needs and aesthetics of different periods.

In this comprehensive book, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas," the author delves into the history of lighting design, exploring the ideas and concepts that have shaped this craft. The book begins by tracing the development of lighting design from the Renaissance to the present day, examining the various historical periods and their impact on the use of light in performance.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of the consensus around the purpose of lighting design. Throughout history, lighting designers have sought to create environments that enhance the visual and emotional impact of performances. However, the methods and techniques used to achieve this have varied widely, reflecting the technological advancements and artistic preferences of different eras.

The book also discusses the basic components of lighting design, including light sources, light fixtures, and lighting instruments. It explores the different types of light sources available, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light, and their respective characteristics and applications. It also examines the design and construction of light fixtures, including their shape, size, and materials, and how they can be used to create specific lighting effects and moods.

In addition to its historical and technical aspects, lighting design is also concerned with the artistic and expressive aspects of light. The book explores the role of lighting designers in creating visually stunning and emotionally powerful performances, using lighting to convey mood, atmosphere, and narrative. It discusses the use of color, contrast, and texture in lighting design, as well as the techniques used to create dynamic and engaging lighting scenes.

Lighting design is a multidisciplinary field that involves collaboration between lighting designers, performers, directors, and other creative professionals. The book emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in lighting design, and discusses the role of lighting designers in shaping the overall aesthetic and narrative of performances.

Overall, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in lighting design, whether they are students, professionals, or simply enthusiasts. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history, theory, and practice of lighting design, offering a deeper understanding of this multifaceted craft.

Lighting design is a multifaceted craft that has evolved over centuries, shaped by various cultural, artistic, and technological influences. Its origins can be traced back to the Renaissance in the West, where the use of light in performance began to gain prominence. Since then, lighting design has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the changing needs and aesthetics of different periods.

In this comprehensive book, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas," the author delves into the history of lighting design, exploring the ideas and concepts that have shaped this craft. The book begins by tracing the development of lighting design from the Renaissance to the present day, examining the various historical periods and their impact on the use of light in performance.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of the consensus around the purpose of lighting design. Throughout history, lighting designers have sought to create environments that enhance the visual and emotional impact of performances. However, the methods and techniques used to achieve this have varied widely, reflecting the technological advancements and artistic preferences of different eras.

The book also discusses the basic components of lighting design, including light sources, light fixtures, and lighting instruments. It explores the different types of light sources available, such as natural light, artificial light, and mixed light, and their respective characteristics and applications. It also examines the design and construction of light fixtures, including their shape, size, and materials, and how they can be used to create specific lighting effects and moods.

In addition to its historical and technical aspects, lighting design is also concerned with the artistic and expressive aspects of light. The book explores the role of lighting designers in creating visually stunning and emotionally powerful performances, using lighting to convey mood, atmosphere, and narrative. It discusses the use of color, contrast, and texture in lighting design, as well as the techniques used to create dynamic and engaging lighting scenes.

Lighting design is a multidisciplinary field that involves collaboration between lighting designers, performers, directors, and other creative professionals. The book emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in lighting design, and discusses the role of lighting designers in shaping the overall aesthetic and narrative of performances.

Overall, "What Is Lighting Design?: A Genealogy of People and Ideas" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in lighting design, whether they are students, professionals, or simply enthusiasts. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history, theory, and practice of lighting design, offering a deeper understanding of this multifaceted craft.

Weight: 789g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032117768