Lighting Focal Points
Focal points usually fall into one of the five categories:
- Large Trees
- Specimen Plants
- Art Objects
- Architecture
- Water Features
Before you light focal points, decide which elements of the focal points need to be stressed and from where they will be viewed. In all categories, beauty must be considered first.
Large Trees
If a tree has open growth, let the light spill down through the leaves and branches, creating interesting shapes and contrasts. Trees of this type also look dramatic when left dark while the area behind it is lit for contrast. If your focal point tree has an interesting bark texture, try grazing it to accent this feature and add a greater element of visual interest.
Note: Do not attach light fittings directly to the tree, but use brackets that leave sufficient space to allow for growth.
Specimen Plants
Consider hanging plants as well as ground plantings for focal point lighting. Try to throw shadows of smaller plants on walls and other surfaces for added effect.
Art Objects
The general rule with art objects is to dramatize the art piece as well as the effect the artist is projecting in his work. When lighting art objects, make every effort to hide the light source.
Architecture
Determine what points the designer was trying to bring out in the architecture and enhance it. Look at decorative construction techniques in masonry and wood facades. Highlight gables, draw attention to the peaks. Two techniques; place fixtures at the bottom of the gables and project the light up from each side so that it meets at the tip of the peak, or place two fixtures under the peak and aim them down to the lower edges.
Entryways
Drawing attention to the front door itself is many times warranted. The door itself IS a focal point. Hand-carved wood, raised wood panels, artistic metal designs. Draw attention to the door from overhead paying close attention not to cast glare in the eyes of those entering and exiting the building.
Atriums
The objects in the atrium, columns, arches, breeze ways, ledges, shutters, cupolas, weather vanes, and seasonal and holiday flags can all be architectural focal points that can have attention drawn by professionally designed lighting.
Water Features
Fountains, fish ponds, and moving streams, all lend themselves to the introduction of landscape lighting. Remember the clarity & cleanliness of the water itself will in most cases determine the approach. Filtered, crystal clean water can be lighted either from within or from above. Dirty water is usually best if lighted from above or used as a reflecting surface to accent surrounding features.
|
