Frank Neinhardt

Lighting contributes to a successful space design as any other given architecture components such as furniture or floor treatments for example. With this in mind, you will want to light your spaces with purpose, comfort, and a sense of longevity in mind.

Let us consider a few architectural indoor lighting fundamentals

First, we must recognize that light truly brings light to architecture. Therefore, we should consider the choice of light as equally important. Just as you choose furniture with care and an eye for design and style, quality, and durability – you want to apply those attributes to your choices of lights and light sources as well.

Light delivers the added dimension that it creates an emotional reference to a space perceived or seen, and perhaps even relates back to a past experience. How? 

Just think of candlelight for example. Notions of a warmly lit space with a festive atmosphere surrounded by family and friends pop to mind right away.

Setting a light mood

Today’s integrated LED light engines and effortless control schemes allow you to adjust and set any desired light output; whether it is candlelight or daylight. A light mood that can create a morning experience, or remind us of times sitting by the window at dusk enjoying a glass of wine. 

Of course, spaces, such as an office, your bathroom, kitchen, or public space, require an output appropriate for a specific task. Here though as well one should layer in the light on a functional as well on a visual, perhaps even a visceral level. The correct lighting can create surfaces that are rich and beautiful.

Function of architectural indoor lighting

By function, one must refer to the quality of delivered light – correct brightness and color temperature that delivers the “right” light. When done well, this creates a beautiful dance of the various intensities of light that engage with your space by either high lighting, or bathing the components of your architecture in the right amount of light – or by discretely injecting dark spaces as equal participants to that dance; a layered scheme aimed to please.

Creating cohesive architectural indoor lighting

Certainly, there are guiding formulas for the amount of light, position and quantity of fittings in a given space – great guidelines by any measure. In the end, this is a personal choice that requires a little introspection to determine what works best for you.

Ultimately when one thinks about architecture, furniture or lighting, for any given space, consider visualizing how these elements patina and age. Just as we desire to age with grace, so should our spaces and their components. Equally, our effortless interactions to direct the light to our needs and moods create experiences of belonging and purpose.

To realize this vision requires a holistic view of a space that values all its components as equal contributors creating lasting and harmonious environments of comfort. Contact Boyd Lighting to learn more about our artisan lighting products and allow us to help you realize your ideal architectural indoor lighting design plan.

Delve into Artisan Light Fixture Design

“Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.” Steve Jobs

This quote delivers on a very essential level. One can debate styles of design all day, but in the end a style is a very intimate preference. However, design has to deliver on that visual, tactile and functional level.

Components of light fixture design

One can also talk about design as a service, such as lighting design for example where an entire space is designed and coordinated to optimize a room’s performance in a specific way. In the end the fixture design, as well as the lighting design scope have to work hand in hand to deliver a successful result – a space that works to the user’s expectation.

According to its use the light fixture delivers the right quality and quantity of light, and a lighting design scheme delivers a coordinated performance result of all the lighting components used in a room.

How does that thinking apply to a light fixture design?

There are differences of form and performance requirements pending if you design a residential or a commercial project for example. The spaces within these project categories themselves require a unique set of design criteria. Light fixtures and light components have to be chosen for their correct value of contribution to a specific task.

Specific light fixture purposes

Aside from the form factor design criteria, a wall sconce’s primary purpose in a commercial corridor application is to light sufficiently to guarantee safe movement of its occupants, whereas a residential corridor wall sconce’s primary function may be to create a specific ambiance. 

Looking at pendants in an office environment, a lighting professional examines the spacing of a fixture in relationship to its function as a direct, indirect or both direct and indirect light source – with the one purpose – to provide the exact amount of light needed. 

Whereas a ring chandelier used in a living room application is chosen for its visible materiality and function to softly uplight only.

Complexity of light fixture design

Light fixture design in all of its variations that are required for all of its different uses can get complex fast. Sometimes it is challenging to determine if a fixture design is right for your space. The technical performance information can be overwhelming for the end user to understand. For example:

• What implications in a fixture design does a constant current vs. a constant voltage light engine have? 
• Are 120L/W enough? 
• Do I dim the color or the intensity?
• If I cannot dim, what color temperature do I choose?

This questionnaire could go on. It is best to consult with your local trades or lighting designer to assess qualification and best use. Lighting manufacturers will also provide you with expert guidance as it is in their best interest to inform you with accuracy to their products’ performance and suitable applications.

Finding a light fixture design company

Most companies manufacture and deliver a quality-built light. Their track record and reputation often speak for themselves. That thinking and attitude applies as well to how these companies deal with potentially unforeseeable job site challenges. They get the job done.

It helps to do a little research to investigate the light fixture manufacturers whose products you plan on using. Call the company, and experience their sales and service staff. Are they prompt, friendly, helpful, and informative?

Short of a fixture sample to figure out how an actual fixture works, one should look at the information provided by a company’s website. Look for clear imagery with regard to the overall product design, its details, and installation environments. You may also ask for finish samples to be sent to you. 

This trifecta of reputation, clear communication of a product’s intent, plus actual finish samples helps greatly to determine if that product can work to satisfaction in your boardroom or living room design scheme. Boyd Lighting has experienced light fixture design professionals to assist you in your next design project.