Here, at last, is the long-awaited Third Edition of the book that introduced two generations of architects and designers to the principles and practice of interior lighting design. This classic primer continues to be popular because it provides readers with a solid conceptual foundation upon which to build and refine their lighting design skills.

Mirroring the teaching philosophy that has been so successful at the prestigious Parsons School of Design, it trains readers in a rational approach to the design process as a whole - an approach that has been proven to work for the lighting of any space, whether it be a gallery, office building, restaurant, or school.

While the emphasis is on universal principles, the author also focuses on essential nuts-and-bolts details. Writing in a clear, eloquent, highly accessible style, veteran lighting designer Gary Gordon defines relevant lighting terms; describes lamps, lighting systems, and techniques; delineates key technical aspects of control and integration and the strategic use of daylight; and explores the complex principles of light perception, brightness, contrast, and color.

With the help of numerous real-life examples and hundreds of exquisite photographs and professional line drawings, he brings all of the ideas discussed into sharp focus.