Design Process
Designs evolve through an iterative process shaped by creative experimentation, intuitive insight, and rigorous testing. At the LRC we ground and refine the design process through research and through collaboration with professional practice, preparing students to shape environments that serve real-world needs with purpose, grace and elegance.
Our lighting design classes are an immersive dep-dive into light, dark and color as a design tool. Students will learn to sculpt spatial experiences by exploring the interplay between illumination and darkness. Through keen observation of real-world environments, they will develop their own design questions, propose thoughtful interventions, and challenge conventional notions of space.
We shape the dynamic relationships between light, surface, form, and spatial perception—developing essential knowledge for architects and designers alike. As the world presents increasingly complex design challenges, our design courses emphasize both individual craftsmanship and collaboration. Students will build their own robust lighting design toolkit while learning to co-create in interdisciplinary teams around shared questions and goals.
Design education projects at the LRC included:
Civic Glow: RPI Students Reimagine Urban Lighting for Rensselaer
During Spring 2025, students from the Lighting Workshop, a course taught at RPI’s Lighting Research Center, explored ecologically conscious urban lighting design aimed at highlighting local landmarks and facilitating evening use while minimizing contributions to light pollution. Thanks to the City of Rensselaer, the students were provided with a site for this design challenge that facilitated learning about the needs of various stakeholders, sustainable strategies for outdoor lighting design, and the application of current technologies.
Over two months, the team of 14 undergraduate and graduate students developed a lighting concept for the façade of Rensselaer City Hall and the adjacent Huyck Memorial Park and Monument. The students developed a set of lighting objectives: to strengthen civic identity and recognition, support civic events, improve wayfinding and everyday safety and comfort, all while respecting the night environment and being energy and resource efficient. The students’ design gave careful consideration to the quality and aim of light by minimizing light spill and uplighting, and by curating the shades of light and dark for different scenarios to create a “community space for activities, events, markets, weddings, and celebrations that can be held throughout the year.” (Lighting Workshop Students, April 2025).
The project was presented by the RPI students to Rensselaer City Officials, including Mayor Michael Stammel and two members of the town Directorate of Planning and Development, Thomas Hulihan and Amy Lolik. “We were very impressed by the efforts that the students put into the project and the quality and completeness of their work.” (City of Rensselaer, April 2025).
The following students contributed to the project (alphabetical order): Celia Li, Emma Geer, Evgeniia Dmitrieva, Isabel Lentini, Jeremy Escobar, Joe Deleon, John Santomieri, Josephine Tonias, Judea Kadyn White, Kai-Di Peng, Keshan Dulshara, Nara De Sena Diniz Miranda, Nihar Menon, Zachary Schmalz.
In addition to input from the two course instructors, Jean Paul Freyssinier ‘03 and Ute Besenecker ‘13, the students received guidance and feedback from several professionals: Lisa Wong ‘10 and Dan Weissman (Lam Partners), Deanna Valcour ‘18 (FMSP), Leora Radetsky ‘12 (DLC), Christopher Meany (LightSpec), Kate Hickcox ‘11, and Ken Appleman ‘06. (years shown indicate when listed individuals received their LRC master’s degrees).