Deciding What to
Light can often best be approached as a "layered composition" in which the
layers are:
- the Task lighting
- the Accent lighting
- the Ambient or "space" lighting
and in which the nature of the objects and surfaces being lighted play a most important
role.
What we see is almost always the reflection of light from a surface, not light itself.
Hence we must consider the surface characteristics:
- is it light or dark? Dark objects absorb more light, reflect less.
- is it polished and mirror-like? It will reflect imagesis it finely or coarsely textured?
It will diffuse the light striking it.
- is the color one we would like to enhance or one we would prefer to subdue? The color of the object is
determined by the color qualities of the
light source.
"work in safety and
comfort..."
| As a first step
in planning your lighting, analyze each space in terms of:
- Function: what activities will the space be used for?
- Tasks: what jobs are to be done in the space?
- Objects: which ones do you most want people to see?
- Architectural features: which ones are to be emphasized?
- Seating areas: where will people sit? Mood: what atmosphere is desired? Should it be
variable?
- Style: what must the lighting "go with"?
"reading titles..."
"task areas... like a counter top"
| Next, try to set
priorities. What is most important? Try to give the room a point of focus, something which
will draw the eye: In the dining room or living room this might be a table setting, a
painting, a flower arrangement, a fireplace wall.
There may be more then one priority, of course,"task" areas like a sideboard, a
table or desk or kitchen counter.
These priority objects and areas will deserve accent lighting or task lighting, as you
will see in pages to follow. 
"give the room a
focus..."
"lighting the walls... a
sense of spaciousness"
| Then try to
consider the space as a whole.
- Lighting the walls can make the room seem more spacious.
- Local pools of soft-edged light on furniture can create a mood of intimacy.
- Bits of glitter and sparkle like cut crystal or even polished metal convey an air of
festivity.
- Highlighting the ceiling with indirect lighting is going to make the room seem a bit
more formal, as well as more spacious.
- Highlighting a rug on the floor with downlighting is likely to make it feel more cozy;
but downlighting directed onto a glossy surface, a glass top table, or a marble floor is
likely to cause
disturbing reflections.
"mood of intimacy..."
|
