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

Figure 14.2 A generic layout applied to a dining area (top). A more focused approach (bottom) creates contrast and mood.
MOVE LIGHT TO THE PERIMETER
One of the simplest ways to transform a space is to apply light to the walls and other vertical surfaces. When we consider the bare-bones lighting tactic of placing a group of recessed downlights in the center of a room, we need only change our tactic slightly to get greater effect. Thoughtlessly placing luminaires in the center of a space is a poor use of light resources. By simply shifting the location of these luminaires, light is painted onto the high vertical surfaces that deliver the perception of brightness. This simple shift is an effective example of using the same luminaires in a different way to make an impacting difference on how a space feels. Observe how different these basic spaces feel as a result of this shift.
Figure 14.3 Light directed downward (left) can create a cave-like effect. The same amount of light applied to vertical surfaces (right) adds to the perceived brightness.
CHOREOGRAPH HALLS AND CORRIDORS
Passageways are often treated with the same thoughtless application of regularly-spaced luminaires marching down the center of the space. These luminaires lose most of their light into the dark floor surface and do little to
organize the space or create brightness. If we use our light to address the vertical
surfaces, we can create both visual interest and definite way-finding by creating lighted goals. We can experiment to identify the lighted surfaces that create the mood and effect we are after, but, invariably, the best use of our light will not be on the floor. A single piece of light at the end of a hallway is often more compelling than an entire row of recessed downlights. Consider also what happens when we implement asymmetric lighting or even a linear slot of light down one side. Lighting the wall of a hallway creates a continuous light shape that encourages flow.