Lighting design is a new and upcoming niche field of design that attracts many architects and designers given its wide applications across architecture, real estate and interiors. As we learn more about the effects of lighting on space narratives and human wellbeing, lighting design as a discipline has never been more critical in shaping the built environment.
The process of lighting design involves identifying and understanding the users’ requirements, determining method and type of lighting, calculating specific parameters and achieving the space narrative as per design intent, while maintaining the overall well-being of users.
With such meticulous details involved, expertise in the field comes with its own challenges. Many fresher practitioners can find themselves challenged with understanding what works and what doesn’t. Here’s a curated comprehensive list of 6 handy tips from experienced Lighting Designers
1. Integrate Lighting design with Architectural spatial planning
Lighting design is heavily dependent on spatial planning, orientation, functional planning and user experience. Integrating lighting solutions with spatial planning can reduce expensive interventions and hurdles.
2. Don’t confuse quantity of light with quality of light
Strategically designed lighting is heathier, sustainable, cost effective, and aesthetically pleasing compared to an unplanned excessive lighting to brighten up a space. Use reflective materials, colours, textures, etc. to enhance the lighting of your space and make an impact.
3. Present alternatives with pro’s and con’s
Approach indoor lighting problems with multiple solutions for the architect/ designer and the client to choose from. This demonstrates a versatile design approach.
4. Consider custom design
Do not use the same tools for all your problems. Customise your solutions!
Customised fixtures and appliances for lighting do not have to be expensive. This will make sure that each project remains fresh and unique in terms of its design and application.
5. Be creative. Innovate.
Lighting design being a new speciality with ongoing research and development, leaves tons of scope to innovate and experiment with technology, design and strategies. Every project poses a unique challenge and innovative solutions are the need of the hour. Think outside the box, with tailor made lighting solutions for each project by focusing on user experience, functional productivity and desired aesthetics.
6. Pay attention to technical drawings/ documents
Lighting design is a co-ordinated field and requires working with other set of teams such as architects, civil engineers, interior designers, etc. For a smooth working between the different layers of designing a project, communication in the form of technical drawings and documents is of the utmost importance.
Using these tips, a lighting designer can convert an empty space into the desired narrative by creating mood, visual interest, and safety while enhancing the experience of the user.