How can we bring your project to light?
Our expertise in architectural lighting focuses on enhancing both functionality and aesthetics while always considering our environmental impact. By conducting precise calculations, we ensure optimal artificial and natural illumination that prioritizes energy efficiency and visual comfort. Our design approach centers on creating engaging light experiences and seamless transitions that promote health and well-being, aligning with circadian rhythms. At times, we also craft bespoke fixtures to complement architectural settings. Through detailed visualizations, we offer a preview of our lighting concepts, and our professional photography documents the transformed spaces. Here are some of our services that bring projects to light.
^ Lighting design concepts and vision
^ Electric lighting calculations and planning
^ Daylight calculations and optimisation
^ Light experience design for senses
^ Light for well-being and healthcare
^ Bespoke light fixture design
^ Architectural visualisations
^ Documentation and photography
What is a light-space?
And how do we design for atmosphere?
In our practice, we define a light-space as a method of space-making that comes into play especially when daylight is absent or inadequate. In these scenarios, artificial lighting does more than just illuminate; it transforms spaces. Consider, for example, an intimate dinner setting where the soft glow of candlelight creates a cozy, inviting area that enhances the enjoyment of good food and conversation. This exemplifies the concept of creating a light-space. Similarly, in urban environments, light-spaces can turn public squares into vibrant centers for social gatherings and activities during the evening.
Designing light-spaces involves crafting atmospheres where the qualities of light fundamentally shape the spatial experience. This process requires careful consideration of various lighting parameters such as intensity, directionality, distribution, color, and the dynamics of time. As architect and theorist Juhani Pallasmaa has stated, "An architectural space is an invitation to participate in a specific environment, mood, and atmosphere. Light shapes these invitations and alters our perception of space itself." This insight beautifully captures how light can signal us to engage actively or relax within a space.
What is integrated lighting? And how do we design
for visual comfort and daylight dynamics?
Integrated lighting is the seamless combination of natural daylight with artificial lighting systems to serve various purposes, such as enhancing visual comfort or reducing energy consumption. In our practice, every project begins with a thorough analysis of daylight within the space. We engage in observing, measuring, simulating, and calculating how daylight interacts with a space throughout the day and across different seasons. This comprehensive approach provides essential insights into the availability of natural light, which influences functionality, energy efficiency, and the overall well-being and comfort of occupants.
For the electric lighting design, we consider the dynamics of daylight across the day and year to create adaptive lighting scenarios. These scenarios ensure that spaces remain vibrant and inviting, even on a cloudy day when the character of electric lighting can truly bring a space to life. In more complex installations, electric lighting scenarios can dynamically adjust in real-time, responding to changes in sky conditions and natural light inflow. This approach paves the way for exploring and advancing the concept of "double dynamic lighting" by Aalborg University research team.
What is circadian rhythm? And how do we design
lighting to best support our sleep-and-wake cycle?
The circadian rhythm, often described as our body's clock, is a natural, internal process that regulates our sleep patterns, hormone release, body temperature, and other vital functions. The term "circadian" is derived from the Latin words "circa," meaning "around," and "diem" or "dies," meaning "day." This highlights the necessity of external environmental cues, primarily light and darkness, to synchronize our internal clock daily.
In the context of light and health, advancements in technology now allow us to effectively measure, simulate, and design environments that cater to our needs for both light and darkness. This process involves not only considering the visible light spectrum but also the effects on non-visual photoreceptors that influence our circadian rhythms.
Simplifying the concept, we should design lighting as if guided by natural daylight—incorporating high intensity and cooler color temperatures during the day, transitioning to warmer spectra and lower intensities at sunset, and then mimicking near-darkness at night.
What is light pollution? And how do we design
outdoor lighting, with flora and fauna in mind?
Lighting at night offers numerous benefits, such as ensuring safe passage, improving visibility, and enhancing public spaces for social interaction and enjoyment. Well-lit streets, public areas, and residential neighborhoods help people navigate their surroundings and contribute to vibrant city life after dark. However, while these benefits are significant, it is crucial to also consider the adverse effects of light at night.
Light pollution, characterized by excessive or misdirected artificial light, poses several challenges to the environment, human health, and wildlife. It also diminishes our ability to enjoy the natural beauty of the starry night sky.
To address these concerns, in our practice, we follow to the Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night (ROLAN) principles. These guidelines emphasize that lighting should always serve a clear purpose, be directed only where necessary, not be brighter than needed, be dimmable or turned off when not in use, and utilize warmer color spectra to reduce impact.
By integrating these principles, we ensure that our lighting solutions enhance urban spaces thoughtfully, balancing human needs with environmental considerations, and promoting both ecological and human well-being.