The Art of Illumination: Residential Lighting Design
by Glenn M. Johnson

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Book Reviews of The Art of Illumination: Residential Lighting Design

Book Review: a sad commentary on contemporary aesthetics
Summary: 3 Stars

It's hard to separate the book from the work it features: generally the overwrought, more-is-better, ego-stroking stuff that passes for architecture in this era which I hope against hope is not the twilight of American culture. Mr. Johnson's relegation of the architect to a subsidiary of the general contractor in his formula for a design team is telling-it is either the arrogance of the nouveau-riche who blusters, "Just design me the d--d house; I'll attach my architecture to it as I see fit!" -or a sorry statement on feeble, derivative design that is typically being put forth today.

Mr. Johnson is a clever engineer; his innovations, such as removing the silver and etching the perimeter of a mirror to conceal a bathroom light source, are efficient as well as beautiful. However, on the pages of his book, the miniscule diagrams of such details require a magnifying glass to be appreciated.

The best works featured in the book are the kitchens and bathrooms. To me, it is here that Mr. Johnson demonstrates his sensitivity, and acknowledges that shadow is as important as light in creating a pleasing effect.

Summary of The Art of Illumination: Residential Lighting Design

General Books

• Subjects > Home & Garden > Home Design > General
• Interior Design > Lighting
• General
• Professional & Technical > Architecture > Building Types & Styles > Residential