DL
What is your starting point when
you begin to design?
SA
Physically experiencing and
documenting the space by being there and/
or by studying the designed architecture and
landscaping. When the space doesn’t exist or
when its accessibility is restricted for a variety
of reasons, communicating and interacting
with as many stakeholders, mainly future
ones, including the clients, the other discipli-
nes involved in the project and the existing
and future users of the space. In parallel,
collecting all existing available data, including
beyond the one accessible in the public
domain. Compiling and analysing all the
above in order to reach a point of being able
to formulate a coherent concept.
DL
How important is the shape and
materiality of a fixture in your
lighting design scheme?
SA
The luminous characteristics and
performance of the luminaires - including
their light sources, optical accessories and
electronic equipment - is, and will probably
be, the most important features and conside-
rations in our choice of equipment. However,
depending on the specificities of the project,
the size, geometry, construction, colour,
dimensions and location of the electronic
equipment, maintenance requirements and
recyclability of the equipment and the ability
to integrate it in the architecture, can take a
very high importance or a lower one.
DL
Do you agree that the outdoor
lighting design at first needs to be
utilitarian?
SA
We do not have a rigid rule: once
again, the approach will depend on the
characteristics of the project, the desires
of the client and the users of the outdoor
space. In some of them, the function of the
space will be the most important feature
and then the “utilitarian” lighting will pri-
me while still taking into consideration all
other design considerations. In other cases,
the aesthetical and mood generating fun-
ctions will be more important, while still
ensuring answering at minimal normative,
regulatory requirements, visual comfort
and a qualitative result.
DL
Name one project – by yourself
or another designer – where you feel that
architecture, landscape and exterior lighting
merge perfectly
SA
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-
kathedraal (Cathedral of our Lady) project
we did in Antwerpen and its surroundings.
It is a project that changed the perception
of the downtown area of Antwerp and its
nocturnal skyline. The building is architectu-
rally so interesting and so nestled into the
urban fabric. The landscape, the perspectives
and the views created by the new lighting
system make the area extremely pleasant to
spend time and walk around.
DL
What inspires you?
SA
Our practice is very inspired by
the observation of natural light phenomena
and their impact on observers: sunlight,
shadows and reflections; sunrises and sun-
sets; moonlight ambiences; reflections of
lit architecture in water elements; the per-
ception of materials, finishes, textures and
colours in architecture and nature when
sunlit, moonlit or lit by diffuse daylight…
On top of that seeing people enjoying the
spaces we design the lighting for, hearing
how enjoyable and nice they suddenly
perceive the built space at night. Or seeing
clients coming back over and over trusting
us their precious spaces and investing a lot
of money in projects dedicated to the inha-
bitants, inspires us to continue and to enjoy
what we do.
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OUTDOOR
DELTA LIGHT
