The effect that lighting has on people’s perceptions and comprehension of buildings is crucial. Both natural and artificial lighting brings out the best in buildings and structures, but the former truly allows them to shine.
So, an emotional value may be added by affordable architectural lighting, which also aids the experience created for those who use the buildings. Where would buildings be if they lacked illumination? How much of an effect do you think it would still have? Not at all. Natural or artificial, light highlights the space’s textures, colours, and shapes, allowing the design to function as intended. Besides, lighting is crucial to perceive architecture, as vision is the primary sense through which people appreciate it. And here are a few reasons for using artificial light in buildings:
- The intensity, colour, tone and lighting profoundly influence humans’ thinking and mood. Therefore, these elements should all be considered in the design of public and private buildings.
- A well-lit area appears more significant than its actual size because architectural lighting affects the impression of depth and dimension.
- Outdoor areas and buildings may be given a new dynamic with the help of architectural lighting. As such, security, dramatic effects, and landscape lighting all use outdoor lighting equipment to alter how a location is seen and used.
- To reduce their carbon footprint and maximise their buildings’ efficiency, architects are increasingly looking for renewable energies like solar power. Also, dimmers, which are lights designed with people in mind, and other intelligent lighting sources can reduce energy use.
- Architectural lighting draws attention to buildings, statues, plants, and trees.
- The architects are responsible for assessing their client’s needs and implementing appropriate and affordable architectural lighting for external areas, whether task lighting for safety or ambient string light for outdoor events.
The Value of Lighting in Construction
The lighting system significantly affects every building, whether an office, factory, or private residence. Proper lighting may make an eye-catching place even more so, while inadequate lighting might diminish its allure. Therefore, it is crucial to have appropriate outdoor architectural lighting solutions following the need of the space.
Meanwhile, there are three primary considerations to keep in mind when striking a harmonious balance between lighting and architecture:
- Aesthetic
- Function
- Efficiency
When it comes to aesthetics, designers and architects think about how people will feel when they are in that space. As such, it is the job of designers to decide what emotions they want people to experience when they go through a building or room. Lighting plays a crucial role in luring customers into a store, and once they’re inside, keeping their attention is just as crucial as showcasing the merchandise for sale.
Functionality is also crucial since the purpose of lighting is to give people a sense of security and confidence as they move about a space. The familiarity of the ground and buildings surrounding them should reassure them. In addition, they may need to serve various purposes, such as providing general illumination, illuminating specific areas where people read, work, or do other activities, or even serving as emergency lighting in the event of an emergency.
The latter part is crucial in this day and age of eco-friendly architecture and environmental consciousness. It is one thing to design a lighting scheme that is both interesting and functional, and it is quite another to design one that is both stunning and economical. Meanwhile, making sure the bulk of the light is making it to where it needs to go and that very little of it is wasted is one way to do this. For instance, swapping out your fluorescent bulbs for LEDs can help you save money on energy bills because of the more targeted light they provide.
Author Bio:
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.