Lighting design for Churches

Written by Claude Viens, Montreal Canada

church lighting

Lighting design is a crucial aspect of creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and awe-inspiring for churchgoers. A professional and comprehensive lighting design can elevate your place of worship to new heights.

Whether you have a limited or an ample budget, an experienced lighting designer can create a plan that is adapted to your financial resources. A good lighting designer will provide 3D and 2D plans that will help you visualize what your church will look like after installation.

lighting design 3d render

The lighting designer can calculate wattage, throw angles and distances.

It's important to have a solid understanding of how intensity, throw angles, and distances between fixtures and surfaces can affect the end result. These calculations are essential for ensuring that lighting is properly and safely installed, and that it provides the desired aesthetic effect.

Wattage refers to the amount of power that a light fixture consumes. Calculating the wattage required for a space involves considering factors such as the size of the space, the desired level of illumination, and the type of lighting fixtures being used. It's important to choose fixtures that are energy-efficient, and to ensure that the total wattage of all fixtures does not exceed the capacity of the electrical system.

Throw angle refers to the degree of spread of the light from a fixture. Calculating throw angle involves measuring the distance between the fixture and the surface being lit, as well as the height of the fixture and the angle at which it is installed. Different types of light fixtures have different throw angles, and it's important to select fixtures with the appropriate throw angle for the desired effect.

Distance between fixtures and surfaces is also an important factor to consider when designing lighting. The distance between fixtures and surfaces affects the intensity and distribution of light, which can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic effect. Calculating the appropriate distance between fixtures and surfaces involves considering factors such as the size and shape of the space, the type of fixtures being used, and the desired level of illumination.

lighting design 2d plot

The designer will also consider the electrical layout and ensure that it is optimal for your needs. From theatrical to ambient or structural lighting, the designer will work with you to create an atmosphere that is perfect for your church.

In today's world, where many church services are broadcast or recorded, having camera-friendly lighting is essential. A lighting designer who understands this need will ensure that the lighting is perfect for both live and recorded services.

Overall, involving a lighting designer can make a big difference in your church. They will work with you to create a lighting design that is focused on your needs and will provide an atmosphere that is both welcoming and inspiring for your congregation.

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Claude Viens is a lighting designer and product specialist based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Claude comes from the production world and has several decades of experience in 'making it happen'. Grandfather, bass player, lover of music, football and Bourbon.

His first encounter with the touring industry in the early 80's brought him to focus on what was already drawn out for him even as a child; Lighting.

Claude has pretty much been in every possible position in the industry from a simple case pusher and truck loader to technical director, lighting designer and project manager. He has worked in several countries with the music industry, comedy, sports, theater, dance, corporate, worship, architectural, world fairs, film and TV.

Having worked with almost all brands of lights and consoles over the years he now focuses on helping production and integration companies find the right product for each application and come up with solutions to complications that can show up along the way.