By Nam Cho, Director of Advanced Development at Cooper Lighting Solutions
Traditionally, lighting design could be considered a tedious process, often involving physical mockups, time-consuming calculations, and static renderings using multiple software tools. With advancing technology, these traditional methods are giving way to more sophisticated tools that enhance precision, speed, and visualization. On the downside, many of these new tools are not particularly intuitive and the learning curve can be high.
Light ARchitect is a notable exception. Light ARchitect is the multiple award-winning lighting simulation app developed by Cooper Lighting Solutions. Using real-time surveying capabilities, instant photometric calculations, and augmented reality (AR) visualization, Light ARchitect eliminates the guesswork from lighting design and fosters a more efficient and collaborative process involving all stakeholders, resulting in expedited decision-making throughout the project.
Technology that Simplifies Lighting Design
Behind the scenes, Light ARchitect uses an evolving array of technologies to make lighting design as effortless as possible. From satellite image rendering to sophisticated photometric algorithms and mobile sensing and processing capabilities, Light ARchitect’s software prioritizes the user experience over technological complexity.
Light ARchitect was developed from the ground up to integrate seamlessly with Google Maps. Its unique front-end engine allows users to superimpose lighting attributes directly onto the map’s satellite image. Additionally, the tool can be easily customized for each job. The user interface offers a true ‘drag and drop’ experience, enabling designers to place lights directly on the satellite backdrop image with virtually infinite customization options.
The cloud-based calculation algorithm ensures data integrity and on-the-fly scalability for performance enhancements. This means no more ‘over-the-air’ updates. Improvements happen constantly and as needed without disruptive notifications or waiting for downloads.
The mobile version of the app provides a true on-the-go, engaging experience, which is especially useful for on-site collaboration with decision-makers. Light ARchitect’s most recent update features sensing technologies that allow mobile devices to generate 3D augmented reality representations of true-to-scale light fixtures along with photometrics; as a result, users can walk around and explore views from different perspectives. Additionally, Light ARchitect’s artificial intelligence feature optimizes and selects the most appropriate configurations from tens of thousands of available IES files.
Streamlining the Planning Phase with Real-Time Layouts
Imagine designing lighting for a sprawling outdoor space without leaving your desk. With Light ARchitect, users can instantly create real-time layouts directly on Google Maps. This allows for precise placement of fixtures within the actual environment, considering existing structures, landscaping, and natural light patterns. The real-time aspect of this feature means designers can see the immediate impact of their choices, facilitating quicker decision-making and reducing the need for multiple iterations.
Instant Photometric Results for Visualizing and Adjusting
One of the most significant advantages of Light ARchitect is its ability to deliver immediate photometric results. Traditionally, calculating light levels and distribution required specialized software and intricate calculations. Light ARchitect eliminates this hurdle by providing on-the-fly photometric data. This instant feedback allows designers to assess lighting effects in real-time, making it easier to adjust and refine their designs. The app’s user-friendly interface and rapid processing capabilities make it one of the fastest and most accessible tools for creating detailed lighting plans. This efficiency not only saves time but also ensures the final design meets all necessary lighting standards and client requirements.
AR Visualization Bridges the Gap Between Design and Reality
Perhaps the most visually impressive feature of Light ARchitect is its augmented reality visualization capability. Using the power of AR, designers can place virtual light fixtures within their physical space, providing a real-time view of how the lighting will look and function in the actual environment. By overlaying digital light fixtures onto the real world, designers can experiment with different configurations and instantly see the results. Gone are the days of relying on static renderings or physical mockups.
Light ARchitect uses intuitive color-coded heatmaps to display light distribution within a space. This provides valuable insights into areas that might require additional lighting or adjustments to achieve the desired visual effect and functionality. For designers, the ability to see their lighting plans come to life in augmented reality offers a new level of accuracy. Clients also benefit from this immersive experience as they can see how different lighting configurations affect their spaces without relying on static plans or renders.
A Significant Leap Forward for the Lighting Design Industry
Light ARchitect is more than just a lighting simulation app—it’s a comprehensive platform reshaping how lighting professionals approach their projects. Architects and designers now have access to technology that brings greater efficiency, precision, and creativity to their work, ensuring that lighting designs meet both functional and aesthetic standards.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more features and functionalities to emerge in apps like Light ARchitect. Imagine integrating this technology with building information modeling (BIM) software or incorporating advanced energy analysis tools. The possibilities are vast for a truly seamless and data-driven lighting design experience.
About the Author
Nam Cho, Director of Advanced Development at Cooper Lighting Solutions, is an innovation enthusiast with a diverse background in the automotive, medical, and military industries. With over 40 patents and many more pending, Nam is a forward-thinking inventor.
More than a decade ago, Nam joined Cooper Lighting Solutions, dedicating his career to revolutionizing lighting and design through technologies like virtual and augmented reality. He has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions, including Advanced Toggle Tuning, Scalable Wireless Controls, and the groundbreaking Light ARchitect software. Nam’s relentless pursuit of pushing industry boundaries has earned him widespread recognition as he continues to inspire the field.
All images: Cooper Lighting Systems
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