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Light as Part of the Architectural Fabric

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  • Articles : September 2021

Architecture and interior lighting design are dependent on each other and neither follow a linear pattern. Lighting design should not be an afterthought once the civil work of a residence is completed, and rather should be incorporated within the architectural fabric of the space. It is important for you to decide your lighting intent in the early stages of construction in order to fall in line with the natural progression of design execution.

Light manipulates design by drawing the eye to the textures and materials used and determines how you would perceive a physical space. It draws attention to spaces which need to be well-illuminated for functionality such as ceiling lights, or to provide indirect lighting for a subdued effect. Lighting considerations, similar to architectural space planning, are crucial in evoking feelings of comfort or discomfort as part of a larger spatial experience. It is vital to choose the optimal lighting source and knowing the desired effect of that fixture as it further dictates the design aesthetic of the space. Whether it be for chromatherapy or functionality, spaces evoke feelings and have the power to alter your mood in accordance with the type of lighting they inhabit.

In commercial spaces and retail stores, lighting plays the crucial role of illuminating products and highlighting displays accurately, with the desired colour temperature, colour rendering index and tonality. In home lighting design, light orchestrates how the same residential space can be transformed based on usage and time of day. Similar to interior architecture, lighting should provide the inhabitant of the space with ease and flexibility of usage.

Creating interesting visuals is important as they alter the environment. When designing for natural light, design intent should be incorporated right from the beginning of the construction stage. Similarly, automation should be well-thought out and incorporated into architectural design for smooth execution. A licensed lighting designer or consultant should be hired to handle the complex machinery, ensure concealing the mechanism neatly and guarantee the usage of high-quality fixtures to compliment the architectural design.

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