Kimberly and Paul Mercier of Lighting Design Innovations, and former IES Presidents, presented to a group of over 30 lighting designers, sales representatives and B-K Lighting team members.

Inspired by the changing role of outdoor environments, Kimberly explained the changes gained from observation, presentation and, of course, practice. The team went on to explore heirloom ideas and then progressed into the changes to health and welfare.

From the past, or "heirloom ideas," we learned how the description of the "outdoor livingroom" began from the 1691 "Lessons of Architecture." Descriptively engaging as we learned most rooms were named simply by "what you did in the room."

The outdoor environment changed dramatically early on with the stories of picnics in cemeteries. As years pass, the "pocket park" was created and still utilized today.

But what is expected from outdoor areas? Subjects touched on the obvious...to relax, to socialize, to play...a living scape, hence the outdoor living room.

The couple continued with health and welfare, touching on sleeping habits of not only humans, but plants and insects alike! Thus leading into safety and security, a must for human interaction and mindset.

The team concluded with "the beneficiary." What are the perspectives? What are we as individuals willing to share, what do we want to see? What about the public?

Lighting education at its best!