Interior Lighting for Designers

Some lighting patterns affect personal ori-
entation and understanding of a room’s sur-
faces and objects. Object-lighting and shelf-
lighting influence attention and consciousness
(figure 13.29); wall-lighting and corner-lighting
enhance understanding of room size and
shape (figure 13.30). Together, the resulting
balance of brightness establishes or modifies
our sense of enclosure.
Other lighting patterns involve the com-
munication of ideas and impressions of
activity setting or mood. Because the eye is
involuntarily drawn to bright objects or to
areas that contrast with the background,
high-contrast settings are effective at direct-

ing attention and interest to selected detail

while de-emphasizing other objects, areas,

or surfaces (figure 13.31).

When the balance of brightness is pur-

posefully established, designers provide an

appropriate background for the intended

activity or more: the purposeful manipulation

of light can delight, enchant, and command

attention (figure 13.32).

An Example

In a restaurant, if the lighting system is

designed to illuminate horizontal surfaces,

such as tabletops, while de-emphasizing the

architecture, people and activities become

INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR DESIGNERS

Figure 13.30Wall-lighting and corner-lighting enhance understanding of room size and shape.