Lighting design a "strategic economic investment" says Signify's Sameer Sodhi

According to business leader of entertainment and colour kinetics at lighting brand Signify, Sameer Sodhi, lit-up architecture and public installations can encourage interaction, strengthen local identity and support overall wellbeing. Sodhi explained that for decades, the value of a building has been measured by appearance, energy performance, return on investment and construction costs. A building’s lighting design is one of the most influential factors but is often overlooked and seen as a “finishing touch”. He added that well-designed lighting can shape the experience of places, support local economies and strengthen communities. Sameer Sodhi is a business leader of entertainment and colour kinetics at lighting brand Signify. Top image credit: Nate Vomhof “The question is no longer whether lighting matters,” Sodhi said. “But whether we can accurately measure the (overlooked) value it creates.” Sodhi points to a recent study by lighting brand Colour Kinetics that examined four illuminated spaces across the United States and found that lighting generated social, economic, and cultural benefits “well beyond the initial investment”. “The report assesses lighting through a broader framework that includes community engagement, tourism, economic development, media visibility, partnerships, sustainability and health and wellbeing,” Sodhi explained. “Rather than viewing lighting as an isolated building system, it recognised it as infrastructure capable of influencing how cities function and how communities connect,” he added. Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge connects people to the city’s waterfront. Photograph by Kristine Hinrichs Sodhi cites the lighting of Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as an example, which has transformed the infrastructure into a “dynamic visual icon” that reflects the city’s identity and connects residents and visitors to the waterfront. “The bridge now hosts community and civic events, causes and initiatives and annual festivals, while serving as a canvas for civic celebrations throughout the year,” he said. According to Sodhi, architectural lighting also creates economic value. For example, the thoughtful lighting design of West Sacramento’s Barns in California has supported the area’s placemaking. Although the venue was originally conceived as an event and dining venue, the strategic lighting design has helped establish it as the focal point for the surrounding mixed-use district, which includes spaces for hosting concerts, festivals, community activities and sporting events. The lighting of West Sacramento’s Barns in California has supported its placemaking Sodhi explained that, because of the building’s lit-up impact, approximately ten residential developments have since been built or are under construction nearby, highlighting the role “quality public spaces” can play in wider regeneration. “Importantly, the value created extends beyond construction economics,” added Sodhi. “Visitors stay longer, businesses benefit from increased footfall, and the location develops an identity that encourages repeat visits and investment.” According to Sodhi, lighting can also serve as a form of public communication. For example, Philadelphia City Hall’s lighting is programmed to respond to national celebrations, charitable campaigns and civic events, “transforming a historic landmark into a dynamic expression of the city’s identity”. “Whether celebrating sporting victories or marking important social causes, the building becomes an active participant in public life rather than simply a backdrop,” added Sodhi. Over 400 local residents contributed to the design of Nashville’s Loqui This also applies to Nashville’s illuminated installation, Loqui, Sodhi explained. The artwork includes words and stories from more than 400 local residents and demonstrates how illuminated public art can amplify local voices and bring a community together. “Rather than lighting serving the artwork, the lighting becomes integral to the experience itself,” he added. “These projects suggest that good lighting is no longer simply about visibility. It is about participation.” Nashville’s Loqui is made up of lit-up words Sodhi added that buildings are also assessed by how efficiently they operate, but also how effectively they create meaningful experiences. “Architectural lighting is uniquely positioned to support that ambition,” he explained. “It can extend the usability of spaces after dark, strengthen local identity, encourage social interaction and help transform ordinary infrastructure into memorable landmarks.” “When thoughtfully integrated from the earliest stages of design, lighting becomes a strategic investment rather than an aesthetic upgrade,” he added. “Perhaps this is the real measure of good design.” To learn more about Signify, visit its website, to learn more about Colour Kinetics, click here. Read more