**Who is the First Modern Lighting Designer?**
**Introduction**
The history of lighting design is a relatively young field, with the first modern lighting designer emerging in the early 20th century. Lighting design as a distinct profession emerged from the convergence of several factors, including the development of new lighting technologies, the rise of modern architecture, and the growing demand for theatrical and entertainment lighting.
**The Pioneers of Lighting Design**
The title of the first modern lighting designer is often attributed to two individuals: Richard Kelly and Stanley McCandless.
**Richard Kelly**
* Born in 1896 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Studied architecture at the University of Minnesota
* Began his career as a theatrical lighting designer in the 1920s
* Developed the concept of “architectural lighting,” which integrated lighting with the design of buildings
* Known for his innovative use of color and light to create dramatic effects
**Stanley McCandless**
* Born in 1897 in New York City
* Studied architecture at Yale University
* Began his career as a theatrical lighting designer in the 1920s
* Developed the concept of “functional lighting,” which emphasized the practical aspects of lighting for tasks and spaces
* Known for his innovative use of indirect lighting and his emphasis on the psychological effects of light
**The Early Years of Lighting Design**
In the early days of lighting design, the profession was closely tied to theater and entertainment. As electric lighting became more widely adopted, architects and engineers began to recognize the importance of lighting in the design of buildings and interiors.
One of the key figures in the early development of architectural lighting was the German architect Walter Gropius. Gropius’s Bauhaus school emphasized the integration of art, design, and technology, and he incorporated lighting into the design of many of the school’s buildings.
Another important figure in the early years of lighting design was the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright was known for his organic architecture, which sought to harmonize buildings with their natural surroundings. He often used lighting to create dramatic effects and to enhance the sense of space in his buildings.
**The Growth of Lighting Design**
In the mid-20th century, lighting design began to emerge as a distinct profession. The formation of professional organizations, such as the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and the development of new lighting technologies helped to establish lighting design as a specialized field.
As lighting design became more sophisticated, it began to be applied to a wider range of applications, including commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and public spaces. Today, lighting designers play a vital role in the design of all types of environments, from offices and retail stores to museums and concert halls.
**The Contributions of Early Lighting Designers**
The early lighting designers made significant contributions to the field, establishing the foundations for modern lighting design. Their work helped to define the role of lighting in architecture and entertainment, and they developed many of the techniques and practices that are still used today.
Here are some of the key contributions made by early lighting designers:
* **The development of new lighting technologies:** Early lighting designers worked closely with engineers and manufacturers to develop new lighting technologies, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and LED lighting.
* **The integration of lighting with architecture:** Early lighting designers recognized the importance of integrating lighting with the design of buildings and interiors. They developed techniques for using light to create dramatic effects, enhance the sense of space, and guide people through buildings.
* **The development of lighting standards:** Early lighting designers played a key role in the development of lighting standards and guidelines. These standards ensure that lighting is safe, efficient, and effective.
* **The establishment of professional organizations:** Early lighting designers formed professional organizations, such as the IALD, to promote the profession and to share knowledge and expertise.
**Conclusion**
The first modern lighting designer is a title that is often attributed to either Richard Kelly or Stanley McCandless. Both of these individuals made significant contributions to the field, establishing the foundations for modern lighting design. The early lighting designers played a vital role in developing lighting technologies, integrating lighting with architecture, and establishing professional standards. Their work continues to influence the field of lighting design today.
## List of Notable Early Lighting Designers
In addition to Richard Kelly and Stanley McCandless, here are some other notable early lighting designers:
* **Walter Gropius:** German architect and founder of the Bauhaus school
* **Frank Lloyd Wright:** American architect known for his organic architecture
* **Louis Kahn:** American architect known for his monumental architecture
* **Eero Saarinen:** Finnish-American architect known for his modernist architecture
* **Le Corbusier:** Swiss-French architect known for his modernist architecture
* **Buckminster Fuller:** American architect, inventor, and futurist
* **Philip Johnson:** American architect known for his modernist architecture
* **Louis I. Kahn:** American architect known for his monumental architecture
* **Minoru Yamasaki:** American architect known for his modernist skyscrapers
* **I.M. Pei:** Chinese-American architect known for his modernist architecture