Lighting Historic Buildings : A Prospectus

The purpose of this book is first to trace the history of daylighting and other sources of light, up to the end of the 19th century to show the effect light has had on the form of buildings; and second to establish how architects and designers today should approach the lighting of historic buildings in the context of present day technology.
Historic buildings form a large part of a nation's heritage. Some are used for their original purpose, for example a theatre, a railway terminus or house. In this case some modification may be required to meet its enhanced needs whilst retaining the integrity of the original structure. Some historic buildings are not used for their original purpose and the functional requirement of the new outweigh the needs of the old, for example a redundant building transformed into an art gallery.

There are many such conversions, and once the decision has been made to use the building in this way it should still be possible to retain something of the original integrity of the building without compromising the needs of the future.

This book will provide knowledge and understanding of the issue of light in buildings of past periods, whilst providing a framework of how architects should approach such buildings today in the light of modern technology.
One of the first books on this subject
There is a growing need for expertise in this subject area
An increasing number of historic buildings are being used for original or new uses

Derek Phillips is a retired architect and lighting consultant. He established his own company of Architects and Lighting Consultants and was head of the business. He was President of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and is now Chairman for the CIBSE Daylight Group. He was also Vice President of the International Association of Lighting Designers NY from andconsultant to UNESCO on ancient monuments in Sri Lanka. He has won the UK National Lighting Award three times and has also won the European version of the prize. He has published numerous books and papers on the subject of lighting, including 'Lighting Historic Buildings' and 'LightingModern Buildings' for Architectural Press.