When it comes to design, the overarching plan is often paid a lot of credence, but the individual details are figured out later. Yet, the impact of each individual element is long-lasting in how the project comes to life. Today, we’re decoding Architectural Lighting – a concept so simple, that it is quite complex!
Traditionally speaking, lighting is meant to help the problems of visibility and accessibility. It helps users to see and use a space effectively. However, as both homes and offices have evolved over the years, lighting is often used to amplify a space’s usage – and can help improve mood, boost concentration, and create a space of calm. Therefore, we need Architectural Lighting – where lighting is considered during the early stages of design – and is chosen and designed as per the use of space. For instance, a library will require pockets of calm and concentration, ample light to allow for individual usage, yet awe-inspiring enough to encourage a sense of learning. Natural and artificial light would need to be planned in such a manner to allow for this!
Often confused with lighting design, Architectural Lighting is actually deeply interconnected with the design elements of the building. Its role is to foster and establish the building’s aesthetic and purpose equally. For Murmurations, our Matka Chowk installation, for instance, lighting has been used to create a sense of awe as the focus is on the birds in flight. When encountered from afar at night, one can see these poetic birds that bring a certain peace to mind.
In contrast, the lighting in the Dune Project in Dubai is to bring the outside in. A corporate office situated in a concrete jungle, the office has been designed to be a space of calm. Hence, muted tones, textural elements, and an artifical skylight helps establish a sense of connection to nature, and therefore, to ourselves.
We hope this dissection of Architectural Lighting has proved helpful! If you would like us to tackle another element, do let us know in the comments below.
