The Influence of Sustainable Lighting on Modern Structures and the Methods Used to Bring Artistic Elements to the Forefront of Sustainable Lighting Design

Sustainability in architecture is a broad subject in the discipline that has been gaining popularity across the globe for the past three decades. While sustainable technologies are heavily researched, more specific methods in which sustainability blends within a building are infrequently studied. In particular, the way sustainability is integrated into the lighting design of buildings is a topic receiving limited study from architects and researchers alike. This paper and project explore the methods modern architects use in establishing a design-centered lighting system throughout a building that reflects a new age of building materials, sustainable technology, and construction practices. Using architectural documentation, newspaper articles, secondary literature, and primary research collected across Berlin, Germany and Rome, Italy, this paper follows patterns in successful designs across multiple sustainable buildings and how to integrate them into lighting systems in newly designed buildings. The conclusions found in this paper show the importance of understanding architectural lighting design as the growing need for sustainable living and working spaces becomes present. They also showcase the methods architects can follow to successfully integrate sustainable lighting technologies into the design of a commercial building.