COMMENT | ACOUSTIC LIGHTING 055Interior design is an artistic
composition, with lighting and
acoustics essential tools of the palette
in determining the success or failure of
an overall scheme. Having appropriate
levels of illumination not only influences
the general atmosphere of spaces, it
affects peoples’ wellbeing, from moods
to circadian rhythms to energy levels.
Acoustics go hand-in-hand with lighting
when it comes to creating places that evoke
positive emotional response. Contemporary
architecture favours openness, brightness
and generosity of space. Exposed concrete
and expansive glass façades predominate,
but it is precisely these materials that
amplify disturbing soundwaves.
As the use of spaces evolve in reaction
to lifestyle preferences for shared
experiences, designers cannot focus on
lighting without considering acoustics.
Whether restaurants, hotel lobbies, meeting
areas, lounges and especially open-plan
offices, high amounts of public traffic
always come with loud noise levels that
are often perceived as unpleasant. Since
lighting is an essential function in every
room, it makes sense that fixtures with the
added bonus of sound-absorption would be
a welcome benefit.
Today’s trend for open offices means
acoustic wellbeing and effective lighting
are essential for productivity, reduced
eye strain and mood levels that encourage
cooperative frames of mind amongst
colleagues. Thus, many manufacturers have
taken up the challenge to combine the
growing demand for designs that are not
only aesthetically pleasing, they feature
problem-solving functionalities, too.
Numerous issues can be addressed at once,
planning and assembly costs are reduced,
and new, interesting products can transform
impressions of a space.
A wide variety of design styles are now
available, from those with classic elegance
to those that are futuristic, minimalist,
extravagant or playful. At first glance,
their dual functionality is not immediately
apparent. It is only on closer inspection
that the fixtures’ acoustic properties are
revealed. Felt, acoustically absorbent
fabrics, and even extraordinary materials
such as moss are preferred. With products
available in diverse sizes, colours and
variations, they offer versatility to
complement an interior designer’s vision
for a space. Clever use and positioning can
even eliminate the need for conventional
acoustic ceiling tiles.
Our studio’s interior designers are always
in close contact with manufacturers,and, working closely with our specialised
division, Products by JOI-Design, they
develop new solutions and products. Their
goal is to create the best possible results,
ones that meet the business needs of
our customers as well as a space’s design
and functional requirements, resulting
in individual solutions tailored to the
particular demands of each project. Our
product designers are keen to explore the
emerging realm of custom acoustic lighting
products for future projects.
However, JOI-Design’s interior architecture
and design teams already combine acoustic
elements with lighting products in a variety
of ways...
In all the examples that follow, acoustic
and lighting elements have joined
forces to resolve design dilemmas with
aesthetically-pleasing solutions. The
preference for shared spaces, sustainable
materials and clean-lined interiors
continues to flourish. So there’s no reason
why stunningly-designed acoustic lighting
pieces can’t resolve noise, illumination and
environmental challenges in one fixture,
reducing building costs while quietly- yet boldly - stealing the limelight.
joi-design.com
An Emotional Response
JOI-Design’s co-managing directors Peter Joehnk and Corinna
Kretschmar-Joehnk, along with interior designer Irina Schneide, ask:
Acoustic Lighting - multi-functional luminaires that are on-trend?