Visual Impact Assessments and Planning Applications
We can advise on the potential visual impact of proposed or review existing lighting installations. This can involve issues such as upward light pollution, spill light, Light as Nuisance etc. A large part of this work relates to conformance to the ILP guidance on Obtrusive Light, GN01. Related to this topic is lighting design in environmentally sensitive areas, AONBs and Dark Sky parks.
Baseline lighting level (lux) measurements are often included as part of our Visual Impact Assessment report.
Recent studies include; floodlighting an equine stud in an AONB, a housing development with sports club in a SSSI, and a floodlit tennis club in a densely residential area of London.
Surveys and Investigations
Recent cases include: South West Trains asked us , to verify the illumination levels in their station car parks. We measured the illuminance using a calibrated luxmeter and followed the CIBSE/SLL approved methodology.
A large open plan office where some of the staff complained about glare and headaches from the new LED lighting.
A tennis club wanted to install floodlights in a predominantly rural area where the courts were surrounded by housing.
A survey of Tottenham Hale bus and train interchange to verify that the achieved illumination levels met those specified by the consulting engineer. Our calibrated lux meter readings demonstrated that, in a few areas, the achieved illumination was only half that specified.
Technical Writing
Alan combines his in-depth knowledge of lighting with the ability to write fluently. He can explain complex technical topics in an easily understandable way. He is the principal author of the Society of Light and Lighting Guide to the Exterior Environment LG06. He has also contributed to many other standards and technical guides. He was commissioned by Signify/Philips Lighting to write a 140-page book, “Connecting LEDs” which explains the basics of LEDs and their applications.
He was the Technical Editor of Lux magazine and Lux Review for the ten years it was published. During this period, he wrote regular product reviews and articles on design.
He also writes case studies and press releases for luminaire manufacturers. This work is anonymous and in complete confidence. I proof read data sheets and sales literature.
Lighting Designs and Visualisations
Our designs look good and they conform to standards such as BS EN 12464. We can calculate spill light or the illumination falling on residential windows. We can produce visualisations and images using Dialux Evo and other software.
Lecturing and Teaching
Alan is a highly experienced presenter and lecturer and has a Lantra/C&G qualification in teaching for the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS). He regular teaches “Basics of floodlighting” and “Urban and Amenity Lighting” for the Institution of Lighting Professionals, ILP, as part of their Exterior Lighting Diploma. Customised training: We were invited by the Malaysian National Energy Company (TNB) to give a 2 day seminar, "Advances in Streetlighting Technology" in Kuala Lumpur.