When light merges with its background…
Singapore, 2nd October 2013
As I am preparing for my day in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, fine tuning my presentation in regards to our lighting approach for a project, I realise that my way of looking at lighting has pretty much settled into a common modus operandi. In other words it is pretty much the same for all; it’s just the packaging that is different and tuned to the requirements and needs of the project. Most of all it is adjusted in the finer details to fit overall design intent and master concept approach from key consultants like architects or interiors designers. As I mentioned yesterday it is the manipulation of light that is crucial and the way that we can harmoniously integrate the lighting in the architectural envelope. I generally don’t want to see the lights I just want the lights to enhance the space they are in and make sure that desired visual performances can be achieved. Visual tasks can be reading, way finding, relaxing with a drink (still need to find my glass!), working, gaming, watching, playing, communicating…whatever it is, we nearly always need to see. Sometimes we are so busy looking that we forget what it is to LISTEN (!), but that is a totally separate issue 🙂
Integrating light into the fabric of the space requires close cooperation with the architectural or interior designer. Special pockets, niches or recesses may have to be created to accommodate the light fittings and with that also sufficient access for any maintenance and repairs. While we love to have zero maintenance, the reality is that electrical and or digital equipment do fail at times and handy access is then highly appreciated…part of our design
Light Watch 4-168: A beautiful example of total integration of lighting and interior materials is the new Toledo underground railway station in Naples. It is featured in the latest PLD magazine and I was struck by the way light and environment totally blends together. It’s hard to see where one starts and the other ends…
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