Large warehouses and other industrial buildings can have a significant visual impact on their local environment, and reducing this impact is often a part of the planning and approval process. Whether constructing a new facility, modernising, or expanding an existing building, considerate lighting design can help create a positive relationship with the community. Building designers can be responsible neighbours by using lighting to improve the visual presence of a building to benefit the surrounding area.

The use of innovative exterior lighting for warehouses to create a more aesthetically pleasing façade while also maintaining safety for staff can be challenging, but modern, efficient lighting systems integrated into the architectural process are a solution.

There are two main areas that should be considered in terms of minimising visual impact of a large building to the surrounding area:

• The way a building itself is lit
• The impact of exterior lighting on nearby buildings and environments
• Improving safety of those using the building and surrounding areas

Minimising building exterior lighting

In recent years, the average size of warehouses has increased by more than 50% as demand within the logistics sector has grown.  From an average of just over 20,000m² in 2015 to more than 30,000m² in 2020. The larger footprint of buildings has been complemented by growth in average building height from 11m in 2015 to 14m 5 years later.

Such large buildings have a considerable presence however this bulk can be minimised using selective illumination. Limiting exterior uplighting of the building to just essential architectural elements such as entrances and signage provides visitors with key information without causing unnecessary disruption to the area at night.

Traffic routes and loading areas

Warehouses typically operate 24 hours a day throughout the year, and as such, exterior spaces will have considerable vehicle and foot traffic to and from loading areas. Safety in these areas requires keeping vehicles separate from pedestrians. Clearly lit pathways provide visual cues about walking routes. A combination of ground level and bollard lighting provides clear guidance without adding excessive light pollution to the surrounding areas.

Minimising upward light pollution and light spill

Light escaping upwards from the roadways and loading areas of a warehouse facility creates unwanted light pollution in the surrounding area. The choice of post top lighting used for lighting high traffic areas can reduce light spill into surrounding areas and prevent unwanted glow for neighbours.

Smart lighting to reduce energy consumption

Careful choices of architectural and outdoor lighting can help to reduce the visual impact of warehouses, and this can be combined with smart lighting controls to reduce energy consumption.

Motion detection lighting in car parks and other exterior areas where constant lighting is not required means that power is only being used when necessary. Additionally, increasing reliance on natural light for illumination should be considered, with lighting being controlled based on need. 

Speak to an expert

Speak to a member of our specialist industrial lighting team to discuss your needs for warehouse lighting. Innovative lighting solutions can help to visually improve your building and minimise disruption in the surrounding areas.