Module 8: Interior Lighting
Module 8
Interior Lighting
While colors and materials dress an interior space, interior lighting creates the ambiance. Statement pieces, such as large pendant lights, can be a focal point of a scheme, while more discreet lighting on dimmers can both create and change the mood of a room. Interior lighting techniques are one of the most overlooked yet important elements of good interior design.
The effect of light on our vision influences the human perception of beauty. So, careful placement of lighting can be used to influence the end user's perception of a space and to highlight architectural elements, artworks and other aspects of Interior Design. A lighting plan is worked around the color palette of the project, size of the room and the furniture fixtures that fill the space. The right lighting effortlessly provides comfort and practicality to showcase your design projects. Creative use of lighting can, in fact, embellish your decorating project.
Light distribution and luminaire appearance should fit the environment and the application; these are based on personal preference. The style of the luminaire is an aesthetic consideration that, of course, is critical to the overall interior design of the space. The style keeps changing with time and trend.
As well as learning about the use of lighting to enhance a space, for the interior designer, it's also important to have a grasp of the technical aspects, which are covered in this module. The technical aspects cover the color temperature, color rendering index, energy consumption, wattage and innovative approaches in the industry that are evolving today.
This module will provide you with in-depth knowledge of lighting – both natural and artificial – and how it can be defined, controlled and specified for an Interior Design project. Lighting layouts enable us to properly communicate the design intent and develop an understanding of the specifics of the lighting component. Adequate lighting must also be provided appropriately for the performance of tasks such as reading, using a computer or preparing a meal. Lighting can also be used as a safety measure, for example on stairways and exits. It is important to illuminate your spaces to fit in well, as every task has different needs. A mix of both general and task lights, considering the function is something you will get to learn in this subject.
The module begins with an introduction to the physics of light and its effect on human perception before covering the use of passive and active lighting, lighting design concepts, how to specify lighting, and develop a lighting plan.
Interior design influencer content
Our interior lighting module includes an exclusive video from interior design professional, Noor Chafcharchi, CEO of Celine interior design London. Noor covers the following elements in an interactive, easy to follow video:
- What are the principles of lights? What are active and passive source of lights?
- What’s the difference between designing lighting schemes for residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces?
- When should we start planning lighting for a project?
Module Outline
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Interior Lighting in Context
- The Physics of Light
- Human Perception
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Sources of Light
- Passive Lighting
- Active Lighting
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Creative Lighting Design
- Lighting Principles
- Lighting Design Concepts
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Lighting Plan and Specifications
- Lighting Plan
- Lighting Specification
