What do you notice every time you walk into a building? Is it the architectural design, the space, or the lighting? Whatever your interests, you’ll discover that architectural lighting, both natural and artificial, enhances the appeal of every architectural design.
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A building can have a great design, but its aesthetic appeal will diminish if the natural lighting is insufficient. Some aspects of the building, whether commercial or residential, should trigger an emotional response.
Good lighting often gives a room the wow factor that makes you decide that a particular house or office is ideal for you.
After spending almost two years at home during the pandemic, more people have higher expectations of their living and working space. For the first time, some families had more people in the house at the same time.
Children had to be creative with their time, while adults had to find a way to convert their living spaces into home offices.
Given the significant lifestyle change, it is not surprising that architectural lighting has become a critical component of building design in 2021.
Lighting enhances interior decor.
Home decor is one of the most popular categories on Pinterest. Good architectural lighting draws attention to the colours and textures used in the interior decor. Two spaces may have similar decor, but the one with great natural and artificial lighting will stand out.
As people learn more about decorating their homes, they have realized that there is more to it than just having attractive accessories.
Lighting makes spaces more functional.
The ambiance of a room influences one’s productivity, especially when working from home. If a room does not receive sufficient natural sunlight, you may find yourself straining, especially if you are yet to go back to the office because of the pandemic.
The alternative is to have your lights on full time. This has several disadvantages, including high energy bills. If the light bothers you when working on your computer, you may not be comfortable in a room with poor natural light.
If the natural light coming into the building is not enough, the artificial lighting should be energy efficient, appealing, and glare-free.
Lighting illuminates spaces.
When architects are designing buildings, they attempt to ensure every space is well lit. Dark corners will affect the overall appearance of adjacent spaces. Interior designers believe every space in a building is useful. However, if the lighting is not sufficient, then such spaces can be redundant.
Whether you intend to use the available spaces for storage or part of the decor, architectural lighting is critical.
Well-lit spaces also give a sense of safety, especially in commercial buildings. People are likely to be anxious when walking on corridors or passing dark corners. Parents are also more likely to be less anxious when their children play in areas with adequate lighting.
Lighting enhances spatial boundaries.
Architects are usually intentional and strategic when determining where to put windows and lighting fixtures.
For example, light is often directed towards walls to draw attention to vertical borders, whereas light illuminating the ceiling or floor will enhance horizontal borders.
Undoubtedly, architectural lighting is just as important as building designs. Homeowners are more likely to appreciate the architecture when the lighting is used appropriately.