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

LAYER 2: LIGHTING TO DEFINE MOOD AND AMBIENCE
The second layer we study is the application of light into our space for the sole
purpose of altering the emotional state of the viewer. It is easy to visualize how easily light can change the overall color, scale, or texture of a space. We first identify the mood we want to create in an area, and then identify lighting ingredients that will support that mood. Adding light to affect mood is a study in the controllable aspects of light and requires deliberate decision making. An easy way to create lighting that successfully affects mood is to define each lighting effect in terms of the three controllable attributes of light that we identified previously:
Intensity: Dim vs. Bright.
Color: Warm vs. Cool (Or an obvious color). Texture: Directional vs. Diffuse.
When we use this awareness to make an intensity decision, color decision and texture decision for each piece of light we add to a space, we can be sure that the light is sympathetic to the mood we want to create.
The goal of this layer of thought is to define the project on a room-by-
room or area-by-area basis and describe the mood and emotional effect we desire for each of these spaces. A good practice is to create a “Mood Map” that labels the intended mood in each area, space or room of a project. This map might describe spaces with emotional descriptors such as “cozy”, “harsh” or “dazzling”. These descriptors serve to inform our decisions about the three controllable attributes of the light that we apply to the space.
These subtle characteristics must be thought of for every piece of light
that we introduce to avoid applying light that is accidentally in conflict with the desired mood. When we notice that “cool” sources aren’t conducive to intimate residential settings, we are simply addressing one aspect (in this case the color temperature) that has not been considered carefully. When we come across examples of light that work against the desired emotion in a space, it is very often only one of these three controllable aspects (intensity, color, or texture) that has been neglected. Therefore, with only a minor change, the light could be remedied to contribute positively to the desired feeling.
This second layer will give you the opportunity to make meaningful
decisions about the core qualities of light. It will also encourage you to articulate the specific intent of each designed area.