Neon lighting
Neon lighting is a type of electrical lighting that uses neon gas and a high voltage electrical current to produce a glowing light. The neon gas is contained in a glass tube, and when an electrical current is passed through it, the gas becomes ionized and emits light.
The use of neon lighting dates back to the early 20th century, when French engineer Georges Claude developed the first neon lamp. The first neon lamp was exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in 1910, and was an immediate success.
Since then, neon lighting has become a popular choice for a wide range of applications, including signage, advertising, and decorative lighting. Neon lights are known for their bright, vibrant colours and their ability to attract attention, which makes them suited for use in advertisements and other visual displays.
One of the unique features of neon lighting is that it can be bent and shaped into a variety of forms. This allows designers to create custom neon signs and displays that can be tailored to the specific needs of their clients.
Other applications include decorative lighting for homes and businesses, emergency lighting for vehicles, and illumination for scientific equipment.
Despite the popularity of neon lighting, there are some drawbacks to its use. One of the main issues is that neon lights require a high voltage electrical current. Additionally, neon lights are relatively expensive to produce and maintain compared to other types of lighting.
Neon lighting is a unique and eye-catching form of lighting, and its bright colours and ability to be shaped into custom forms make it a popular choice for those looking to add some visual interest to their spaces.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”


























Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.