The architecture of light: architectural lighting design concepts and techniques. A textbook of procedures and practices for the architect, interior designer and lighting designer pdfdrive com

Chapter 14 A Shortcut to Concepts in Light

Before delving into specific applications of light in typical spaces, it is well worth exploring lighting application concepts in a broader sense. The strength of lighting design lies in how the individual designer applies his or her knowledge of lighting cause and effect. Rather than present a collection of generic lighting solutions for generic spaces, the following chapter represents a portfolio of lighting concepts that can be applied to many spaces. Confidence in making design decisions comes from experience and familiarity or from the genuine belief that every option has been considered. There are no shortcuts to familiarity and experience, but the following visual concepts can help lay a foundation that will strengthen a designer’s ability to conceptualize and investigate numerous lighting options.
For the majority of designers, the goal is not to grasp every shred of
lighting knowledge possible. The goals are more practical and focused:
visualization and communication.
A designer must be able to visualize lighting effects.
(This is the reason we present light as visual concepts.)
A designer must be able to communicate and describe the light that he/she desires.
(This is why we emphasize lighting vocabulary and graphic communication.)
If a designer can visualize light and successfully communicate lighting goals to others, there are consultants and experts who can assist the designer in bringing those lighting ideas to reality.
The images and descriptions presented here are targeted towards this
hypothesis. By providing visual concepts of what light can do, the designer is
left to decide where these ingredients are best put to use in the design.
“LIGHT A WALL AND LIGHT AN OBJECT”
This basic concept can be implemented in even the simplest spaces. It is applicable at any scale for any architecture. The large vertical surface to which you apply light will define the bright character of your space. It will contribute to your mood and the architectural effect of the space. The object that you focus light on will create visual interest, likely accommodate tasks, and will organize and choreograph your space. Figures 14.1 and 14.2 show spaces lighted generically beside the same space with this tactic applied.
Figure 14.1 A generic layout (top) yields a flat quality of light in a seating area. Lighting a vertical surface and a focal object (bottom) creates perceived brightness and visual interest.