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 10.2 Planes and lines of light can harmonize with architecture and are reminiscent of natural daylight.
GLOWING OBJECTS
Glowing objects like pendants, sconces and shaded lamps make up the last shape we consider. We call these self-contained pieces of light art “self-luminous” sources, and we distinguish them from the architecturally-integrated light sources that we use to create pools and planes of light. The most certain thing that we can say of self-luminous sources is that we must use them with care.
When we combine decorative intrigue with brightness, the result is an object that
draws immediate attention to itself. These glowing objects can be useful for instructing visual flow and encouraging way finding, but if we try to use them as our primary sources of light, we end up with overly bright decoration that works against our lighting goals. Once these glowing sources have attracting one’s gaze, the eyes adapt to the brightness, so the space, as a whole, is consequently perceived as darker. It is good practice to use these sources in conjunction with luminaires that direct light onto surfaces. This combination of effects allows us to use our decorative luminaires at lower levels for the visual effect we truly desire without having to rely on them to create brightness in a space.
Figure 10.3 Glowing sources serve as visual interest, but can overpower a space and be a source of glare.
Adding a concern for shape to our lighting decisions gives us one more specific ingredient for matching light application to the function of our space, and the shape of our space.
We can now identify how we
want to add light so that it harmonizes and emphasizes the geometry, scale and materials of our design.
Designing with shapes of light
also has a profound effect on the mood and feeling that a space translates.

Chapter 11 Location of the Light Source

The last frontier of decision making about adding light is designing where the light appears to be coming from. It is important to ponder this decision because recent trends and technologies have led to the misconception that all lighting devices belong in the ceiling, washing light down onto the ground below. To make the most of our lighting resources, we must take time to investigate all of the other ways of delivering light that we can conceive. Many successful lighting designs are, indeed, based on ceiling-mounted downlights as they are certainly a versatile way to deliver pieces of architectural light. We will strive for innovation, however, by opening our mind to the variety of methods for delivering light. It is a good practice to investigate uncommon techniques, first, to avoid the tendency to migrate back towards the generic means of recessed downlights.