Industry Leaders Reflect on
Dr. David Crawford’s Legacy By RANDY REID
Dr. David Crawford, co-founder of the International DarkSky Association (IDA), passed away recently, leaving behind an enduring legacy. He transformed the global understanding of light pollution. Interviews and conversations with some of his closest collaborators and industry peers make it clear that Crawford’s work was both visionary and profoundly impactful. Dr. Tim Hunter, who co-founded the IDA with Crawford, emphasized the deep-rooted partnership they built over decades. Hunter recalled, “Dave was fascinated by electric lights, especially the physics behind high-energy bulbs like HPS and LPS. He wanted to learn about lighting because if he was going to advocate for changes, he needed to know about it from the experts who actually installed it.” This curiosity and commitment to collaboration were central to Crawford’s approach and helped bridge the gap between the dark sky movement and the lighting industry. Crawford’s philosophy of making friends rather than adversaries played a key role in bringing together the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the dark sky community. Cheryl English, former VP of Public Policy at Acuity Brands, worked with Crawford during the development of the IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance. Reflecting on those collaborations, English said, “David always broke through the heated debates on this topic, reminding everyone, ‘We all want good outdoor lighting… it’s our common goal.’” Crawford’s ability to find common ground in the face of tension exemplified his leadership. Pete Strasser, former Executive Director of the IDA, highlighted how Crawford’s foundational principles continue to resonate today. “First, it can be argued that he and Dr. Hunter’s founding of IDA brought the concept of light pollution to global realization, and to this day, it is a fundamental environmental
concern,” Strasser noted. He also pointed out Crawford’s enduring guidelines for lighting: “Where you need it, when you need it, in the amount necessary for the task, and no more. All else is waste.” These simple yet powerful rules remain at the heart of responsible lighting design. Crawford’s influence extended far beyond the IDA’s founding years. Paul Tarricone, retired editor of LD+A magazine, noted how Crawford’s presence was consistently valued at IES events. “Early in my tenure at IES, I noticed that our Executive Director Bill Hanley always gave David a seat at the table and a platform to speak at our events. At first glance, it may have seemed the two organizations were at cross purposes, but the leadership of both men resulted in a non-adversarial relationship. As a result, both associations benefited.” Yet, despite the progress made, challenges persist. Strasser observed that many lighting regulations are not enforced, undermining the efforts of advocates like Crawford. “Laws on the books exist that, in many cases, took heroic action on the part of concerned citizens, only to have the work become meaningless without enforcement,” Strasser lamented. This lack of enforcement remains a significant impediment to reducing light pollution. Crawford’s work laid the foundation for a global movement that continues to push for better lighting practices. His passion for both astronomy and quality lighting allowed him to bridge divides and create lasting change. As English put it, “Astronomy is a science of extending boundaries and learning new things, and David exemplified that with his commitment to the IES and quality outdoor lighting.” For his extensive efforts and valued leadership, Crawford was awarded the industry’s highest honor, the IES Medal, in 2021. ■
Dr. David Crawford’s legacy is one of collaboration, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to preserving the night sky. His work with the IDA and his partnerships across industries have had a profound impact, ensuring that his vision for a world with less light pollution continues to inspire generations.
Photo Credit: DarkSky IES 2021 Awards for Technical and Service Achievements Source: Illuminating Engineering Society YouTube channel
18
designing lighting