Lighting in architecture or architectural lighting design is a set of light treatment techniques aimed at illuminating interior or exterior architectural spaces within the field of architecture, interior design and electrical engineering relating to the design of lighting systems, including natural, electrical or artificial light, or both, to serve human needs.[1]​.

Artificial light is no longer seen as a simple tool used exclusively to provide the essential amount of light that allows carrying out a functional activity. Lighting has become an artistic resource and a multifaceted tool that has allowed architecture to break patterns and transcend aesthetics beyond functioning.[2]​.

Although the history of lighting comes from the first civilizations, it is in the Industrial Revolution where we see that buildings that had been illuminated until then by oil lamps, candles or lamps, alcohol, etc., begin to incorporate gas for lighting (19th CENTURY) where as a novelty we can consider that artificial lighting elements are integrated for the first time in buildings as elements of fixed location.[3]​ The system spread rapidly, first at the level of public lighting, which allows for the first time outdoor nightlife in cities. These systems are also disseminated at the level of interior lighting.

Public buildings such as the Cristal palace "Crystal Palace (New York)") adopt this new system, although it is later replaced by electrical installation.

The design process takes into account:

The functions of lighting in architecture are:.

It is important to keep in mind that the ultimate success factor is human response, that is, what is seen is clear, simple and comfortable.[1] Lighting designers are often specialists who must understand the physics of the reproduction and distribution of light, the physiology and psychology of human perception of light, the anatomy of the human eye as well as the response of the rods and cones to light.

The good development of an architectural lighting proposal is based on the good balance of perception concepts. It requires the ability to visualize an illuminated space where the 3-dimensional field is dominated, creating interactions between the surfaces of the place and its architectural elements. In the end, this design includes the luminaires, types of lamps (with their specifications), control system and lighting calculations.

The interior designer focuses on all aspects of the decoration, but more on the lighting during the finishing of the project. Interior designers use elegant furniture, lamps, clocks, tablecloths, paintings, mirrors, special lighting effects. Lamps can add extra beauty to interior design with various kinds of styles including Goal transparent lamps, ceiling lamps, pendant lamps, wall lamps, in different colors, such as grey, black, green, white, brass, gold.[4]​.