The possibilities of lighting have advanced a long way, and today the installation of light sources in rooms is a whole philosophy. Technology does not stand still, and lighting designers are adapting to the new needs of their customers, introducing new solutions for business. Artificial light indoors is much more important than it seems at first glance.
It has an impact on health.
We spend most of our time indoors with artificial light. It essentially replaces the sunlight that people need. So it’s not surprising that it has an impact on health. It is a good thing that day and evening lighting standards are met. However, this is not the only thing you need to pay attention to.
In addition to a sufficient and even distribution of light it is also important to limit glare and reduce fluctuations in light output. To do this, you need to properly design lighting and then use high-quality equipment. This approach will save vision and increase productivity.
Artificial light not only affects our eyes, but also our biorhythms, on which many processes in the body depend. Evolution has arranged so that man is used to being in an environment with natural light, which changes during the day. Dim warm light in the mornings and evenings is soothing. The cool, bright light we see during the day ensures efficiency. Unfortunately, in many rooms, owners use outdated lighting systems that don’t adjust for the time of day. This reduces productivity, causes sleep deprivation, and follows it with chronic fatigue.
The problem can be solved. There are biodynamic lighting projects, in which artificial light imitates the daylight cycle and the seasonal cycle. Specialists who do them use equipment that reduces the temperature or intensity of light, if necessary. The lighting in such interiors is as close to natural light as possible: more in the daytime and less in the morning and evening. And the system automatically controls these functions according to the written lighting scenarios.
Along with this came a whole system of imitation of natural light. For example, LED windows (LED Window), which can be cut into the ceiling or walls. Special optical systems realistically portray sunlight, and infrared LEDs create a warm effect.
Changes perception
Interior design is first and foremost a visual art, and the impression of it largely depends on the lighting. The right light can turn a mediocre space into a magical space, but poorly chosen light can easily ruin even an ideal room.
With light, you can control the perception of space. For example, if you “flood” the ceiling and walls with light, you can visually increase the size of the room. This is great for offices and halls.
Light can also be used to focus on something important. This method is often used by stores and museums, visually highlighting exhibits and goods. It is also important that the light in the rooms correctly convey the colors of furniture, goods and other objects. Artificial light, as opposed to natural light, often distorts tones. To avoid this, light sources with a high color rendering index should be used. Another option that can help to combat distortion – a selection of a special spectral composition.
The hue of the light directly affects the psychological level. A warm white color feels cozier and more homely, and encourages a relationship of trust. Cold, if it is distributed evenly and in large quantities, adjusts to the working mode and business communication. Projects that use the contrast of warm and cold light look interesting. In these cases, the first shade is often used as an accent, and the second plays the role of the background.
Awakens emotions
Modern design should attract attention. It forms a space that creates a mood that suits the place and time. One of the tools of emotional design is light. Its main advantage is that it is easy to control. The architecture, finishes, and furniture make the space static, while the lighting adds dynamics. The right lighting techniques and scenarios can instantly change the character of an interior and the emotional state of those present.
Specialists working on lighting concepts take into account the way people think, which causes them to react to the space based on familiar associations. For example, if we want to create cozy, relaxing lighting, we mimic a sunset: we use warm white and amber colors. That’s about how different lighting scenarios are formed that can be reused.
Colored light also affects emotions, because it creates a universal associative image. For example, deep blue is perceived as night, warm white recalls the morning, amber awakens memories of sunsets, and cold white is associated with the sun at the zenith.
In addition to imitating nature, color also forms cultural associations. For example, red light, depending on the context, can be perceived as a call to attention, a command to become more passionate or a signal of alarm.
You can make a space interactive. That is, lighting scenarios can be controlled not by an algorithm, but by the actions of a specific person. This is achieved through technology with the ability to change parameters: the amount of light, its spectrum and distribution. In such a system different sensors can be used, like kinetic ones: they react to movement. Using the language of light, you can build a dialogue with the interior and an individual connection with the space.
Keeps the interior relevant
The demands on lighting have grown tremendously over the last few decades. New insights have emerged about how light affects people. Unique technical features have emerged to enhance the quality of life. Solutions that keep people healthy are in fashion, and modern lighting is also meant to take care of us.
First of all, all interiors must be safe and also useful. It is important that it compensates for the lack of natural light and regulates our biorhythms. In addition to practical tasks. You also need to observe the laws of light composition and make good use of accent lighting and decorative lighting, such as coloured lighting. It is important to allow the user to control the light interactively, so that they can create their own special environment.