When Architecture Comes Alive! Dynamic Lighting Design Considerations

Peter Hoerburger, Genlyte Solutions, a Signify business | Chris Bocchiaro, Leni Schwendinger Light Projects

Location: Sutton South

Thursday, April 15, 2027

9:30 am – 10:30 am ET

Credits TBA

Intermediate

Dynamic architectural lighting can do far more than illuminate buildings – it can foster memorable experiences, strengthen civic identity and even create lasting economic value. Yet, the success of these projects relies on thoughtful design beyond fixture selection and careful planning and management.

Using real-world examples, this session will examine design, as well as technical, operational and other considerations that influence dynamic architectural lighting projects. The presenters will explore everything from content development, system architecture and programming best practices to stakeholder engagement and long-term governance strategies.

Designers will gain practical guidance to help shape the future of luminous architecture.

Participants should have a basic knowledge of traditional exterior architectural lighting strategies.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize measurable outcomes from landmark lighting projects to understand impacts on civic pride, community engagement and tourism.
  • Evaluate design considerations for dynamic lighting effects including control groupings, pixelization resolution and LED color “chemistry.”
  • Analyze contextual factors that influence lighting design, including ambient light levels, environmental siting, and neighborhood and community dynamics.
  • Apply best practices for governance and stewardship to create installations that deliver long-term value.

Speakers

Peter Hoerburger
Peter Hoerburger
Specification Lead
Genlyte Solutions, a Signify business

Peter Hoerburger always knew he wanted to work and play with light. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Theatre Arts and Film at Purchase College, Peter went on to have a vibrant career in the Theatre Arts. In 2014, he joined Color Kinetics (now a Signify and Genlyte Solutions brand) and has been a significant part of some of the most iconic lighting projects across the United States, including the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Ben Franklin Bridge, Texas Street Bridge and San Francisco City Hall. Based in New York, Peter has been responsible for outside pre-sales support for specification, mock-ups, demonstrations and training. He also provides post-sale commissioning services and technical support for Signify’s connected lighting systems.

Chris Bocchiaro
Chris Bocchiaro
Senior Project Manager
Leni Schwendinger Light Projects

Chris Bocchiaro brings unique experience from his work in both architecture and the arts. His deep passion for experiential placemaking has led him to explore a wide range of lighting formats: from found-space theatre and opera to public building illuminations and large-scale sculpture and immersive art in urban and rural environments.

Chris is a senior project manager at Leni Schwendinger Light Projects, an urban lighting design consultancy focused on improving the nighttime experience in the public realm. Chris’ work blends practical lighting assessment and planning with artistic sensibilities. In practice, he specializes in robust community engagement programs and process management, ensuring designs meet the requirements of all stakeholders and communities.

Chris, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatrical Design from Emerson College, has supported hundreds of projects for globally recognized light artists and designers, architects and developers. He divides his time between New York City and the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.

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