Lighting for buildings and interior spaces

Lighting for buildings and interior spaces

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By Gloria Mamwa

Light is very important. It was the first thing created when at the beginning, if you are Bible believing. It also continues to say “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. (Matthew 5:14, The Message)”. Without light we are not able to appreciate the colours and things around us. The same is important for interior spaces as you plan your space there are various aspects of the space as one has to consider as one puts the interiors together.

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In interiors, different types of lighting sources are used to create the desired effects within a space depending on whether the space is to be appreciated during day using daylight or through the use of indoor lights; or a combination of both.

When it comes to indoor lighting there are different types of lights for different functions; task lighting, accent lighting and general lighting.

Task lighting is functional and is the most concentrated lighting and mainly used for reading or inspection. When deciding on task lighting one needs to know the specific function of the space and where exactly this type of lighting is required. For example in a bedroom one may not necessarily require task lighting but when designing an operating theatre or a medical examination room this becomes a critical feature. One tends to see the use of task lighting in hotel rooms, though in my opinion a hotel room may be over designed in a way when it comes to lighting, you find bedside table lamps, writing table desk lamps, mirror lighting at the desk, general lighting, and maybe a floor standing lamp. In some cases a down-light positioned correctly can double up as general lighting and a task light. The lighting levels will differ depending on the function as well.

Task Lighting
Task Lighting

Accent lighting is mainly decorative and is use to highlight certain aspects of a space for example if you wanted to accentuate a curved wall, accent lighting focused on specific areas on the curve can actually look more curved than it is, using the play of the light and shadows can either amplify or minimize the effect to the desired look and feel. Use this lighting to highlight the special feature you as the designer would want to focus on.

Accent Lighting
Accent Lighting
Accent Lighting
Accent Lighting

General lighting, in most cases known as ambient lighting is between the two and you will notice most of this type of lighting occurs in the ceilings of most spaces and is intended for general illumination of the space. Some of us do not necessarily place emphasis on this but it is important to do so. In an office setting general lighting placed wrong in relation to your furniture positions can make it difficult for users to work. We talk about ergonomic in furniture but it is important to review light ergonomics in an office setting.

General Lighting
General Lighting

In the right hand, lighting can do several things, enhance, sculpt and in different uses enhance the wellbeing of a person. We have seen architects use lighting to accentuate the forms they are designing, for example Renzo Piano, who uses natural lighting in some of his designs and the effects are felt internally and his solutions then add a sculptural accent to the architecture. This is done through the use of skylights in most cases. As we begin to take interest in sustainable design in our market, interior designers are not left out of this trend. There is need to work with architects in harnessing natural light to aid in the interior ambience during the day as well as creative solutions in ensuring energy savings with the types of light fittings we are selecting and specifying the methods and controls for lighting in a space.

“When you light a candle, you also cast a shadow.” ― Ursula K. Le Guin

Where there is light there is a shadow this can be purpose made in interior design and architecture as we use this light and shadow play to create art on a wall, accentuate a floor finish, play with colour as the natural light travels through coloured glass and the shadow falls on a wall or a floor. This technique was used and is still used in church buildings, but this can definitely add value when designing interior spaces. When using accent lights architects have managed to sculpt building to give towers the desired signature effect. The possibilities are endless.

I had an opportunity see the use of two media, lights and water; no make that three, and music. The combination produced a show that leaves you so refreshed. So really as designer we have a duty to deliver in fullness the effect we would like to present.

Whether you are an interior designer or architect, it is important to have the lighting aspect under your control as lighting plays an important role in ensuring your design comes out as envisioned.

Go ahead light your world!

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