The Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) has launched Lighting Guide LG23: Design, Creativity and Compliance. This new guide is a departure from previous SLL publications because it focuses specifically on creative architectural lighting design rather than a narrow aspect of lighting or a specific space type.
This guide, in its first edition, provides broad advice on the theory, practice and process of lighting design itself. Rather than focussing on a specific aspect of lighting, this guide addresses the overall architectural lighting design process, giving guidance on approaches to creative design and delivery, appropriate for any lighting design project, large or small. It is aimed at anyone who bears responsibility for the design of the lighting on a project, including lighting designers, architects, interior designers, landscape architects, electrical engineers, lighting manufacturers and contractors. This guide aims to support improvement of the quality of lighting design carried out throughout the built environment.
“This guide has been written in a time of unprecedented change in lighting design, and there is now much greater recognition that it is an important aspect of the design of the built environment. Over the last two decades we have seen the advent of an entirely new type of light source – the LED. We are subject to considerable pressure to minimise energy use and to deliver sustainable project outcomes with strong consideration of the circular economy. We also have a greater understanding of how light can affect the health and wellbeing of building occupants, and therefore a responsibility to ensure we take this into consideration. Alongside this there is a constantly changing landscape of legislation and further digital innovation creating new possibilities. This guide attempts to support the person responsible for lighting design in a project to navigate these issues and deliver a successful design” Jeff Shaw, Arup – Chair and author of LG23: Design, Creativity and Compliance
The publication task group were Jeff Shaw CEng MIET FSLL, Arup (Main Author); with contributions from Andrew Bissell CEng MCIBSE MILP FSLL and Sophie Parry CEng MIET FSLL, Trilux Lighting Ltd. Thanks also to the following individuals, who provided valuable insight and inspiration for elements of this guide: Barrie Wilde (The Light Studio); Florence Lam (Arup); Nick MacLiammoir (Arup). Reviewers and contributors of photographs and/or permission to reproduce photographs: ERCO GmbH; Gamma Illumination; Hoare Lea Lighting; Trilux Lighting Ltd.
Find out more about the SLL and access your copy of LG23 Creativity and Compliance
Join Jeff Shaw for a dedicated webinar on 12:00 GMT on Tuesday 24 March 2026. Register at CIBSE #GrowYourKnowledge Webinars.
The SLL is a division of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Members of CIBSE and the SLL receive unlimited online access to guides via the CIBSE Knowledge Portal.