NLB Annual Lighting Forum: A History of Lighting with David DiLaura and Terry McGowan

Watch and listen to the full panel discussion here.

Experts Discuss the History, as well as the Future of Lighting, Including the Role of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Lighting Design

NOVEMBER 10, 2020—Brentwood, TN—The NLB held a virtual discussion entitled, “A History of Lighting.” The discussion was moderated by Randy Reid, Executive Director of the NLB, and featured the following experts:

  • Terry McGowan, American Lighting Association
  • Dr. David DiLaura, Acuity Brands Lighting

The conversation focused on the history of lighting, and how that history can be viewed through different angles to make a complete picture. Dr. David DiLaura mentioned how lighting history can be viewed through a perspective of technological advancement, human interaction with light, and an economical one. The panel didn’t just discuss the history of modern electrical lighting, but went as far back as talking about original sources of light humans used and their mediums: the sun, fire, wood, wax, etc.
Experts Discuss the History, as well as the Future of Lighting, Including the Role of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Lighting Design

NOVEMBER 10, 2020—Brentwood, TN—The NLB held a virtual discussion entitled, “A History of Lighting.” The discussion was moderated by Randy Reid, Executive Director of the NLB, and featured the following experts:

  • Terry McGowan, American Lighting Association
  • Dr. David DiLaura, Acuity Brands Lighting

The conversation focused on the history of lighting, and how that history can be viewed through different angles to make a complete picture. Dr. David DiLaura mentioned how lighting history can be viewed through a perspective of technological advancement, human interaction with light, and an economical one. The panel didn’t just discuss the history of modern electrical lighting, but went as far back as talking about original sources of light humans used and their mediums: the sun, fire, wood, wax, etc.Significant events in lighting, like the transition from gas lighting to electrical lighting, and the tumultuous transition to different lighting mediums throughout human history is touched upon. Terry McGowan brought up Thomas Edison frequently, discussing Edison’s efforts in commercializing and popularizing electrical lighting and how those efforts had a significant influence on history.

The later part of the discussion concentrated on the future of lighting. Lighting design, which now utilizes augmented reality and virtual reality, was brought up and the possibilities that technology offers. Dr. David DiLaura believes that virtual reality will become a powerful design tool, allowing designers and end users to view what a specific lighting system will look like before installation. Both experts agreed that lighting health and circadian rhythm will be the center of future lighting developments in business and residential spaces.

Watch and listen to the full panel discussion here:  https://youtu.be/1VIWeCMgV1Y

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About the NLB.
The NLB is focused on Promoting Lighting Excellence™ and helping the lighting industry solve its business problems. The NLB exists to create demand for High Benefit Lighting®–efficient lighting designed to optimize human performance, health, safety, and commerce—by educating those who make and influence decisions about lighting.  Obtain more information about the Bureau by contacting its staff at 615-379-7707,  [email protected] or visiting its website (https://www.nlb.org/), where information about sponsorship also is available.

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