ABSTRACT

The designer can create the most eloquent space, crafted in exquisite detail using finestmaterials in
the most gorgeous colours, but, without light, he or she has wasted time, effortand money. Light and
the effect of light are key to the enjoyment and functional successes ofspaces. The way the light
impinges on the highpoints of surfaces, and the shadow created byits absence, allow us to perceive
form and texture. It is the light that allows us to discerndifferences in colour and tone. The painterly
use of artificial light, experimented in thisreport, can be employed by the Architectural Designers to
create a mood appropriate to the particular brief, space and retail interiors.Until man learnt to
artificially replace it, the fundamental source of light was the sunand in many respects sunlight
remains the platonic ideal of light : its varying strength, colourvalues and direction bringing liveliness
to the environment, changing through the day andfrom season to season.It would be an unusual
building, with unusual inhabitants, that was capable of usingnatural light alone, and virtually all
buildings with which interior architects work employartificial illumination to replace or supplement
natural light. Over the centuries tapers,candles and oil lamps have given way, first to gas light and
ultimately to the various forms ofelectric light. Each had a particular character, qualities and problems.
In the design of interiorenvironment we are often endeavouring to replicate the positive aspects of
the system and products while minimising or overcoming the shortcomings. This is as true as lighting
systemof any other. By identifying the needs and developing a lighting design ethos that marries
therequirement of space, activity and mood, it is possible to specify a lighting system that at
oneextreme may mimic the intimacy of candlelight and at the other provide the lighting levelsand
even distribution of different retail product category, with ever conceivable variant
in between. In fact with the different combinations of light it is possible to create lighting thatcan
modify the mood and the capabilities.In practical terms artificial light is indented to do one of the
following things.

To provide the sole means of illumination at night

To augment the light provided by the window in order to provide better modelling

To provide light to compensate for poor natural lighting in winters or in poor weatherconditions

To provide supplementary lighting when rooms are too deep for adequate naturallighting.

In architecture, light is tremendously vivid and manifold. Intelligently positioned and well-
dimensioned, light is able to generate a terrific intensity. Light can stir up emotions and help bind
them to loved experience. When it gets dark, human beings undergo a change of mood.At these
times good light is always in demand. The art of lighting design consist of the abilityto bring out even
extreme and unusual features. Beauty and harmony makes an impression,the same as inevitable
conflict and the grotesque. Light must appeal to everyone, but it mustalso have a situational effect for
individual, couples or groups. Good light continuallyrewards the fine line between harmonious variety
and sharp contrast

SHAHEEM OK

ARS 5