{"id":661441,"date":"2026-10-30T07:18:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T07:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/661441\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T07:18:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T07:18:11","slug":"lighting-design-a-strategic-economic-investment-says-signifys-sameer-sodhi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/661441\/","title":{"rendered":"Lighting design a “strategic economic investment” says Signify’s Sameer Sodhi"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to business leader of entertainment and colour kinetics at lighting<\/a> brand Signify, Sameer Sodhi, lit-up architecture and public installations can encourage interaction, strengthen local identity and support overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Sodhi<\/a> explained that for decades, the value of a building has been measured by appearance, energy performance, return on investment and construction costs. A building\u2019s lighting design is one of the most influential factors but is often overlooked and seen as a \u201cfinishing touch\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He added that well-designed lighting can shape the experience of places, support local economies and strengthen communities.<\/p>\n

\"\"Sameer Sodhi is a business leader of entertainment and colour kinetics at lighting brand Signify. Top image credit: Nate Vomhof<\/p>\n

\u201cThe question is no longer whether lighting matters,\u201d Sodhi said. \u201cBut whether we can accurately measure the (overlooked) value it creates.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sodhi points to a recent study<\/a> by lighting brand Colour Kinetics that examined four illuminated spaces across the United States and found that lighting generated social, economic, and cultural benefits \u201cwell beyond the initial investment\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe report assesses lighting through a broader framework that includes community engagement, tourism, economic development, media visibility, partnerships, sustainability and health and wellbeing,\u201d Sodhi explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cRather than viewing lighting as an isolated building system, it recognised it as infrastructure capable of influencing how cities function and how communities connect,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\"\"Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge connects people to the city\u2019s waterfront. Photograph by Kristine Hinrichs<\/p>\n

Sodhi cites the lighting of Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/a>, as an example, which has transformed the infrastructure into a \u201cdynamic visual icon\u201d that reflects the city\u2019s identity and connects residents and visitors to the waterfront.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bridge now hosts community and civic events, causes and initiatives and annual festivals, while serving as a canvas for civic celebrations throughout the year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

According to Sodhi, architectural lighting also creates economic value. For example, the thoughtful lighting design of West Sacramento\u2019s Barns in California<\/a> has supported the area\u2019s placemaking.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"The lighting of West Sacramento\u2019s Barns in California has supported its placemaking<\/p>\n

Sodhi explained that, because of the building\u2019s lit-up impact, approximately ten residential developments have since been built or are under construction nearby, highlighting the role \u201cquality public spaces\u201d can play in wider regeneration.<\/p>\n

\u201cImportantly, the value created extends beyond construction economics,\u201d added Sodhi. \u201cVisitors stay longer, businesses benefit from increased footfall, and the location develops an identity that encourages repeat visits and investment.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Sodhi, lighting can also serve as a form of public communication. For example, Philadelphia City Hall\u2019s lighting is programmed to respond to national celebrations, charitable campaigns and civic events, \u201ctransforming a historic landmark into a dynamic expression of the city\u2019s identity\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether celebrating sporting victories or marking important social causes, the building becomes an active participant in public life rather than simply a backdrop,\u201d added Sodhi.<\/p>\n

\"\"Over 400 local residents contributed to the design of Nashville\u2019s Loqui<\/p>\n

This also applies to Nashville\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cRather than lighting serving the artwork, the lighting becomes integral to the experience itself,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThese projects suggest that good lighting is no longer simply about visibility. It is about participation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Nashville\u2019s Loqui is made up of lit-up words<\/p>\n

Sodhi added that buildings are also assessed by how efficiently they operate, but also how effectively they create meaningful experiences.<\/p>\n

\u201cArchitectural lighting is uniquely positioned to support that ambition,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt can extend the usability of spaces after dark, strengthen local identity, encourage social interaction and help transform ordinary infrastructure into memorable landmarks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen thoughtfully integrated from the earliest stages of design, lighting becomes a strategic investment rather than an aesthetic upgrade,\u201d he added. \u201cPerhaps this is the real measure of good design.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more about Signify, visit its website<\/a>, to learn more about Colour Kinetics, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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