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

LIGHT FROM SLOTS AND COVES ONTO WALLS AND CEILINGS
These are the architecturally integrated lines of light that create even washes and unique glows onto entire surfaces of a space. These shapes of light go a long way to enhance the geometry of space. The long, clean lines can show off the joints and connections of structure. Lines of light also do a good job of mimicking the clean light we receive from daylight openings like skylights and light shelves.
Figure 11.5 Slots of light from above create brightness onto vertical surfaces and are reminiscent of daylight.
SUSPENDED GLOWING SOURCES
Glowing sources add a haze of light to our spaces and a distinct focal point. They must be applied with care to avoid glare and generic floods of light. These sources are often the crowning elements of visual interest that we apply after our other lighting needs have been met. There are environments where a single,
well-placed glowing source can solve most of our lighting needs, but they are
more often misused to draw attention and leave a space feeling dark.
Figure 11.6 Glowing pendants act as focal points, but can also deliver controlled light up and down.
LOW LIGHTING ONTO THE FLOOR
Localizing light onto the floor plane can be accomplished with luminaires that mount low on the wall. These so-called “step lights” are usually considered for lighting stairs, but they are just as effective in delivering light onto the floor
plane. These luminaires typically recess into the wall and work to get the light source closer to the surface being lighted.
Figure 11.7 Low, wall-mounted area lights keep light down where it is needed.
The goal of considering a simple list of lighting applications like this is to avoid the repetitive and static environment that is the product of over-using recessed lighting. Certainly, a complex space can be lighted entirely with the right adjustable, ceiling-mounted luminaire, but if we start by experimenting with ideas of unusual light application, we are much more likely to innovate.
The result can be a space with a truly special and unique design character. There
are certainly numerous ways to deliver light other than the manners we have listed, but if we can add these distinct methods to our intuition, we will be much more likely to consider them as we design.