Lighting has always been more than a practical necessity; it’s a transformative element that shapes how we experience spaces. The evolution of architectural lighting, from the intricate glow of ancient Moorish lamps to the sleek, efficient tubes of today, tells a story of innovation and beauty. Let’s embark on a journey through time, exploring how light has evolved from past to present to create spaces that inspire and delight, weaving together history, technology, and design.
Our story commences centuries ago with Moorish lamps, a hallmark of Islamic architectural tradition. Originating in regions such as North Africa and Spain as early as the 8th century, these handcrafted fixtures were more than mere sources of light; they were works of art. Crafted from materials like brass, copper, and glass, they featured intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colours, casting mesmerising shadows that danced across walls. Picture a lantern in the Alhambra in Granada, glowing warmly with candlelight, enhancing the spiritual ambience of the space during the height of Moorish influence in the Iberian Peninsula.
These lamps were symbolic, reflecting the rich heritage of Moorish culture. Used in mosques, homes, and public spaces, they brought a sense of intimacy and beauty to every setting. Their influence spread across continents, with Moroccan lamps inspiring Mughal designs in India by the 16th century and later becoming part of European decorative movements like the Bohemian style in the 1830s. This blend of utility and artistry laid the groundwork for lighting as an integral part of architectural design, setting a foundation that would carry forward through the ages.
Fast forward to the late 19th century, when the advent of electric lighting marked a transformative leap. Incandescent bulbs, pioneered by inventors like Thomas Edison in the 1870s, introduced a brighter, safer alternative to candles and oil lamps. By the 1880s, architects began weaving electric light into buildings in ways that were previously unimaginable. Early fixtures often paid homage to traditional designs; Moorish-style chandeliers, for instance, were retrofitted with bulbs, blending the old with the new.
This period brought a shift towards more uniform and controllable illumination. Buildings could now be lit consistently, enhancing both functionality and safety. Iconic buildings like the Manhattan’s Central Synagogue, a great example of Moorish Revival architecture from 1872, adopted electric lighting by the late 19th century, electric bulbs were seamlessly incorporated into ornate fixtures, preserving the decorative charm whilst embracing modern technology.
By the 1890s, a when the popularity of incandescent light bulbs started rising, a significant advancement emerged with D. McFarlan Moore’s gas-discharge tubes, known as Moore’s tubes. These long, linear lights used high-pressure CO2 and nitrogen to produce a warm, mellow glow, offering a fresh way to illuminate large spaces. In 1898, Moore’s tubes achieved a brightness of 10 lumens per watt, a notable feat for the time.
The image above captures the Moore Chapel in 1898, lit solely by the glow of Moore’s tubes. Notice how the light softly highlights the architectural details, creating a serene ambience that bridges traditional design with cutting-edge technology.
This second photograph provides a closer look at the interior of the Moore Chapel in 1898, showcasing how Moore’s tubes illuminated the space with a soft, even glow, enhancing the architectural features and setting a new standard for lighting design. These tubes were a precursor to modern fluorescent lighting, offering efficiency and a unique aesthetic that architects began to explore in various settings, from chapels to commercial spaces in the early 20th century.
Despite their promise, Moore’s tubes had limitations; gas leaks and poor sealing technology meant they required frequent maintenance. However, their impact was undeniable. General Electric acquired Moore’s patents in 1912, paving the way for the development of fluorescent lamps in the 1930s. This innovation marked a turning point, bringing lighting technology closer to the lighting solutions we know today.
The 1930s saw the rise of fluorescent lighting, which became commercially viable and widely adopted by the mid-20th century, especially in commercial spaces like offices and retail shops. These linear tubes, direct descendants of Moore’s tubes, offered energy efficiency, longevity, and the ability to provide bright, even illumination. They allowed for integrated designs, such as continuous ceiling lights, which became a staple in modern architecture of the time. In retail environments, fluorescent tubes ensured products were well-lit, enhancing the shopping experience without the heat generated by incandescent bulbs.
Talking of incandescent bulbs, these were not designed to be architecturally appealing. There is however one iconic pendant light design dating back to 1988, that should be mentioned. The Taraxacum pendant by Flos, using impressive 60 incandescent lamps. It is now supplied with the LED lamps and remains one of the most iconic chandeliers ever designed.
Since the early 2000s, the LED lighting is starting to appear on lighting specification on the most prestigious projects. Even in 2009, when 299 Lighting was established, LED lighting was seen as a novelty. Our first significant architectural lighting project using LED technology was the Broadmead shopping centre in Bristol.
Fast forward into the 2020s, LED lighting has completely taken over, offering unparalleled flexibility. With LEDs, architects can create unique shapes, customise colours, control temperature intensity, and integrate lighting seamlessly into architecture. From accent lighting that highlights a building’s facade to cove lighting that adds warmth to an interior, LEDs have revolutionised architectural lighting. They’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and versatile, making them ideal for everything from contemporary museums to large atrium spaces in modern office developments.
The applications of modern lighting are vast. In a contemporary office, LED linear lights can be recessed into ceilings to provide bright, even illumination without glare, fostering a productive environment. In a museum, accent lighting can draw attention to exhibits, whilst cove lighting adds a soft glow to the overall space. These solutions show how lighting has evolved to meet both practical needs and aesthetic goals, creating spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.
As we look to the future, technologies like Casambi are leading the charge, offering wireless lighting control that’s truly forward-thinking. With Casambi, you can effortlessly manage your lighting through a smartphone app, adjusting brightness and colour to suit any mood or occasion, all without the need for complex wiring. This seamless integration of smart technology is our unique selling proposition, ensuring your spaces are not only beautifully lit but also intelligently adaptable. Reach out to our team now to discover how we can illuminate your next space with beauty, precision, and the future in mind.