In the design of the built environment, lighting is one of the more scientific and seemingly abstract elements, and one of the hardest to visualise. It could be assumed that good lighting is about the light fitting itself, and it in some respects. But it’s more complex than that because the impact of the output of a light can be difficult to predict and visualise.
It can be helpful to simplify lighting design into three categories – general lighting, task lighting and decorative lighting. General lighting ensures a space is adequately lit; task lighting is about looking at the functions of a room; and decorative or ambient lighting is about enhancing features of a space and adding interest.
📷 John Gollings, Peter Bennetts
This image of Chenchow Little’s Coogee House demonstrates a combination of general lighting and decorative/accent lighting. General lighting is required to light the stairwell and good even lighting is an important requirement for stairs to be used safely, but the lighting also enhances the unique architectural elements of the design. Externally the lighting becomes a beautiful feature, and internally the lighting provides an essential function. This is an example of the execution and marriage of built form and lighting to create something extraordinary.
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