Book excerpt: This guide shows how the concepts used in lighting design arise from the needs of the designer and the user. These concepts are shown in a practical context to enable you to develop and improve your design skills. Through examples and exercises, this book makes it easier for the student to acquire the level of understanding, knowledge and skill required for both examinations and professional training purposes. Over the past two decades there has been an increasing emphasis on the need for architects and building professionals to have a better understanding of lighting and the ability to deal with lighting matters within the context of the built environment. Lighting is no longer considered to be primarily the province of the electrical engineer. Previously a separate subject in the professional examinations, lighting is often now found in a more general area within an architecture or building course.