Brentwood, TN – designing lighting (dl) announces the inaugural Light Justice NOW Awards, a groundbreaking initiative to recognize projects and industry initiatives delivering positive change to underserved and marginalized communities.
The Awards celebrates architectural lighting design that not only illuminates spaces but also uplifts those who live and work within them.
Whether transforming public housing and schools, revitalizing community centers, or bringing safety and comfort to public parks, the Awards focus on the power of lighting to make a meaningful impact where it is needed most.
With a mission rooted in social justice, the Awards recognize exceptional projects that go beyond aesthetics and technical brilliance. The program highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, creative problem solving, and the ability to address budgetary and logistical challenges—all in the pursuit of lighting that improves the quality of life for historically underserved communities.
Each project is judged not only for technical and design excellence but also for community impact. From engaging with stakeholders to optimizing safety and visual comfort, winners will exemplify how thoughtful lighting design can create lasting change.
In a profession often centered on technical specifications, the Awards remind us that lighting can—and should—be a force for equity and transformation.
Categories and Submission Requirements
Project Award
- This is for a built lighting installation completed within the last three years. The project may be for exterior and/or interior lighting.
- Submitted by a practicing lighting professional (lighting designer, sales representative, lighting contractor, or others).
- Submission must include a project narrative, including a social justice impact statement, with supporting testimonials or articles, and graphics addressing:
- Project objectives and challenges;
- Methods for engaging stakeholders;
- Strategies for optimizing visual comfort, daylighting, and views;
- Tactics for handling budgetary and other constraints;
- Techniques for addressing safety, security, affordability, and maintainability concerns;
- Outcomes that demonstrate the achievement of project goals and community benefits.
Initiative Award
- For a lighting improvement program or initiative begun within the last three years.
- Two award categories: Interior and Exterior, and multiple awards of merit.
- Submitted by a practicing lighting professional, community organizer, or governmental agency.
- Submission must include a project narrative, supporting testimonials or articles, and graphics addressing:
- Program objectives and challenges;
- Methods for engaging stakeholders;
- Tactics for handling budgetary and other constraints;
- Techniques for addressing safety, security, affordability, and maintainability concerns;
- Outcomes that demonstrate the achievement of project goals and community benefits.
Submissions are open until February 7, 2025. Please submit a single PDF with all the necessary information, including a project narrative (1 page) and notated project images (maximum of 8 images).
Winners will be announced at LightFair in May 2025. Event details to be confirmed.
Join us as we celebrate pioneers who are using the power of light to build a brighter, more just world.
To submit, visit designinglighting.com/lightjustice.
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Cliff Smith, Publisher of designing lighting (dl), at [email protected].