Light, People and Spaces

Model Light Study through Interior Spaces by Jao Perreira de Sousa, 2011

March 31, 2015

Light, People and Spaces

People bring life and energy to interior spaces. They bring expectations to the spaces they
inhabit. Interiors should be about flexibility. Also, it should implement the users of the way people
interact with each other, technology and our surroundings. An important tool of creating the quality of a
space is throughout lighting. Light defines a space and it can promote social interaction between
inhabitants and the environment.
Light, space and human; they effect and work with each other. Space needs light to illuminate; light
needs space to receive it, light within the space change human experience. They are close relation like
people need bread or a place to sleep.- Le Corbusier
Light is an important concept when designing an interior space. It is employed to create an
appropriate mood to a space and building. Lights can make a room come alive. It allows us to see what
surrounds us. That is why light in architecture is a necessity. There cannot be architecture without light
and it exists to not only provoke feelings and moods, but to also bring the natural beauty into our
everyday lives (Coles and House 129). Beyond exposing things to view and touch, light models those
objects to visually enhance and to help us define the physical world. Light helps us redefine the
relationships of people within the environment and themselves.
A designer can create a space using the finest materials and beautiful colors, but without light,
the designer just wasted time, effort and money. Understanding the effects of lighting are key to the
enjoyment and functional success of spaces. It is light that allows us to discern differences in colors and
tone. Understanding how lighting design works is what makes people admire the space. The shape of the
window, the depth of the wall, the color and form of the structure all have an effect on the way that light
enters the building, and the perception of that light by the building user. Because light is so important to
our response to spaces it is vital that when presented with a commission to response a building, we
understand the quality and availability of daylight within existing building envelope (Leydecker 23).
The right lighting can make people feel comfortable. Users will create a new space from the feeling,
which combines the comfort provided by natural light, and the users own feelings and emotions.
Architecture has used the natural light effect in buildings to create a specific atmosphere. Light
and shadow give a sense of motion. Shadows create drama and emphasize light and moving forms that
depend on a source of light for their stability. (Tregenza and Wilson 12). Architects play with light to
create exciting spaces. Light is one of the first building material that architects use to create and
environment within a space with surfaces, and that surface is not define until light hit that space.
Lighting can be soft or hard. Soft lighting is a diffused lighting that minimizes harsh shadows. It creates
a relaxing and less visually compelling atmosphere. Hard lighting provides highlights and shadows and
also emphasizes texture. It creates a sense of aliveness in a space.
Architectural design influences our emotional sensibilities and how we behave. It can relax us,
motivate us and provide safety. It can be spiriting or depressing. That is why when designing a space;
architects need to understand every aspect like the shape and form of the interior, lighting and mood. For
architects, it is important for them to know the importance of getting lighting right, whether it is natural
or artificial light: the right light enhances and improves a space, just as to a bad lighting can degrades it.
To implement a successful lighting interior, architects must fully understand lighting design. The best
effects and schemes are achieved when light is given equal importance with the planning of the space.

Bibliography

Coles, John, and Naomi House. The Fundamentals of Interior Architecture. Lausanne: AVA Academia,
2007. Print.
Leydecker, Sylvia. Designing Interior Architecture Concept, Typology, Material, Construction. Basel:
De Gruyter, 2013. Print.
Perreira De Sousa, Joao. Model Light Study through Interior Spaces. 2011. Divisare. Web. 26 Mar.
2015.
Tregenza, Peter, and Michael Wilson. Daylighting: Architecture and Lighting Design. London:
Routledge, 2011. Print.
Fig 1. Architectural Rendering Concept of Shopping mall
 Fig 2.
Lighting effects
to create a mood
in a restaurant