Electric lighting

Definition

Electric lighting refers to the use of electric power to produce artificial light, which revolutionized interior spaces and architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This advancement allowed for greater flexibility in building design, significantly affecting how spaces were utilized and perceived. Electric lighting not only enhanced visibility but also played a critical role in urban development, contributing to longer active hours in cities and transforming both commercial and residential buildings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electric lighting became popular after the invention of the incandescent light bulb by Thomas Edison in the late 1870s, which made it practical for widespread use.
2. The introduction of electric lighting allowed architects to design buildings with fewer windows since artificial light could compensate for the lack of natural light.
3. Electric lighting significantly influenced urban planning, enabling cities to extend their operational hours and creating a vibrant nightlife that was previously unattainable.
4. Skyscrapers often incorporated electric lighting in innovative ways, allowing for brightly lit facades that contributed to their iconic nighttime appearances.
5. The ability to control lighting with switches and dimmers led to new interior design concepts that focused on mood and atmosphere within spaces.

Review Questions

• How did electric lighting influence architectural design and building functionality during its emergence?
  • Electric lighting transformed architectural design by allowing for more versatile use of space, reducing reliance on windows for natural light. Buildings could now be designed with fewer openings, enabling larger wall surfaces for artistic expression or structural elements. This shift also enhanced the usability of spaces after dark, promoting activities that were not possible before electric lighting.
• Evaluate the impact of electric lighting on urban environments and social behavior in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Electric lighting dramatically changed urban environments by extending operational hours for businesses, transforming nightlife, and enhancing public safety. Streets became livelier as shops stayed open later, fostering social interactions that were previously limited by darkness. This led to a cultural shift where cities became vibrant centers of activity, driving economic growth and altering social behavior.
• Assess how the integration of electric lighting into skyscrapers has shaped modern architectural practices and cityscapes.
  • The integration of electric lighting into skyscrapers has fundamentally shaped modern architectural practices by allowing designers to focus on form and aesthetics without being constrained by daylight considerations. The bright facades of skyscrapers have become iconic elements of cityscapes, contributing to a sense of identity for urban areas. This evolution also encourages innovative uses of light technology in architecture, blending functionality with artistic expression while influencing how people experience cities at night.

Related terms

Incandescent bulb: A type of electric light bulb that produces light by heating a metal filament until it glows, widely used in the early stages of electric lighting.

Architectural illumination: The practice of using lighting techniques to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings, both inside and out, while also improving functionality.

Daylighting: The practice of using natural light through windows and skylights to illuminate interiors, often integrated with electric lighting systems for optimal effect.