Adrienne Faulkner Speaks at the 2024 ALA Annual Lighting Conference
We’re thrilled to announce that Adrienne Faulkner, our esteemed Founder & CEO spoke at the 2024 American Lighting Association (ALA) Annual Lighting Conference! As a featured speaker, Adrienne joined the keynote panel to discuss the latest trends in lighting design, sharing her expertise and insights with industry leaders and professionals.
Adrienne also led a session titled “Trends: Incorporating New Styles into Many Levels of Client Needs.” In this session, she dove into emerging lighting trends and explored how to seamlessly integrate these styles to meet diverse client needs, including new communities, remodeling, and the aging population. With a deep passion for universal design, Adrienne emphasized the crucial role lighting plays in allowing people to age in place comfortably and safely, emphasizing strategies that enhance accessibility and quality of life for all.
Below, we highlight key considerations and best practices in lighting design that balance sustainability, convenience, and style.
Layered Lighting Approach
A layered lighting design creates a more inviting and versatile environment by blending different types of lighting. Ambient, task, and accent lighting can be used in combination to achieve balance and depth. For example:
Overhead fixtures provide general lighting
Sconces add focused, directional light
Portable lamps offer flexibility and personalized lighting
This layered approach ensures that spaces feel both comfortable and functional, with lighting that adapts to various needs throughout the day.
Color Temperature & Quality
Color temperature and color rendering are essential considerations for optimizing lighting. In spaces like business centers or senior living facilities, a higher Color Rendering Index (CRI) is crucial to ensure colors appear natural and vibrant.
Additionally, adjusting Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) based on the purpose of the space—warmer tones for relaxation and cooler tones for productivity—can significantly impact the ambiance and usability of the area.
Adaptability for Aging in Place
Lighting plays a critical role in environments designed to support aging in place. Ensuring adequate lighting for staircases, entrances, and pathways can reduce fall risks, while dimmable lighting options allow for customization based on varying visual needs. Proper fixture placement, particularly in eliminating dark spots and minimizing glare, is essential for creating a safe and comfortable living space for older adults.
Aesthetic Considerations
Beyond functionality, lighting is a powerful tool in the overall aesthetic design of a space. Sculptural or statement fixtures can double as focal points, while custom shades or uniquely positioned lights can personalize a design. Today’s trends also embrace natural materials and organic shapes, blending the beauty of lighting with the surrounding architecture for a harmonious, modern look.
