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 2.2 Warm Light (left ) and cool light (right) should be chosen for the way they reveal the colors and materials in a space, and the mood desired.
Light Texture: Directional vs. Diffuse.
Texture is perhaps the least understood or considered aspect of light. The texture of the light we introduce into a space has a dramatic effect on the overall feeling and function. When we speak of light texture, we are talking about the physical manner in which light is delivered from a source. On one end of the spectrum we have soft, even, diffuse light that is often the product of luminaires that incorporate diffusing materials. On the other end of the spectrum we have the harsh, directional light that is the product of luminaires that utilize precision reflectors and lenses that deliver light in a specific direction. Think of an average glowing globe (diffuse) versus a directed spot light (directional).
The significant differences between the two textures manifest in the
Figure 2.3 Strongly colored light grabs our attention and transports us away from the ordinary, neutral environments we are used to.
shadows and the shapes of light created by these sources.
Diffuse sources produce
light that overlaps to fill in shadows and has ill-defined borders as the light sprawls from the source. Directional sources create distinct shapes of light with clear boundaries. Use of directional light generally results in harsh shadows and contrast as that light is either delivered or blocked completely by objects and material textures.
Figure 2.4 Diffuse light (left) reduces shadows and encourages long term visual comfort. Directional light (right) creates contrast and visual interest.
Once we expand our thinking to recognize these three properties, we start to get a glimpse of the depth of decision-making that is required to ensure that the light we are adding to a space is working toward our design goals.
When we refer back to the notion that designers are in charge of
encouraging emotion, we can begin to see that for every emotion that can be described, there is a corresponding light intensity, light color, and light texture that successfully encourages that emotion. When we want to create relaxed, calm, soothing environments, we implement lower light levels, warmer light colors, and more diffuse sources. When we are designing more kinetic, active, productive spaces, we apply higher light levels, cooler light, and more
directional sources. Much of what we will be adding to our knowledge of light revolves around articulating lighting decisions like these to encourage deeper thought about the light we add. In this manner, we utilize light to its fullest potential in our design.