Good lighting design doesn't have to be expensive...

Does having a lighting designer on a project mean an expensive fixture package?  My response to this is that lighting design doesn't necessarily have to mean expensive. There are many ways in which inexpensive fixtures can be used in creative ways to light a space well.

One of my favorite sources to do this with is a bare fluorescent tube costing around $100/fixture (very inexpensive!).

At Michigan State's Owen Hall, fluorescent tubes were used creatively as pendants in the main dining hall (image 1 and 2). The exterior tree lined view creates an intriguing back drop for the students. The random array of fluorescent vertical tubes relates to the natural pattern of the trees, giving the appearance that the trees continue into the space.

Another example of fluorescent fixtures used creatively is at Taylor Place at Arizona State University. A main component to the lighting concept was to illuminate the vertical tower elements.  Much of this was achieved with inexpensive fluorescent fixtures. The exterior brightness of the two main stair towers was achieved with T5 acrylic wrap around fixtures mounted above each interior stair door.

The connecting bridge or "Pod" tower brightness was also achieved using fluorescent tubes. The lighting concept for the bridge was to unify the main towers with a fabric of brightness. The red box elements, or "Pods", serve as a stage-like platform at night. The outside audience observes student interaction within as if watching a “play”. Linear fluorescents mounted under each "Pod" create the luminous tower illusion.

These are two project examples of high design with low budget. How have you utilized inexpensive materials creatively? It doesn't have to be lighting or architecturally related, inspiration can come from anywhere.