Kussainova A. Lighting design as a tool for zoning and mood management // Science Time. 2023. № 4(111). С. 10-15.
Статья: Кусаинова А. 2023-04.pdf
Полный выпуск: Science Time. Выпуск № 4 (2023).pdf
Kussainova Aliya,
Interior Designer
Almaty, Kazakhstan
E-mail: aliya_kus1771@mail.ru
The article will be useful for architects, interior designers, as well as specialists in the organization of work and public spaces. Practical recommendations will help to avoid common mistakes in lighting design.
Key words: Lighting design, Spatial zoning, Mood enhancement, Color temperature, Human-centric lighting, Biophilic lighting, Dynamic illumination, Smart lighting systems, Circadian lighting, Architectural lighting
Introduction
Light is not just a technical element of the interior, but a powerful tool that can radically change the perception of space. Even in ancient times, people used fire and natural light to create a special atmosphere in temples, homes and public places. Today, with the development of technology, the possibilities of lighting design have become almost limitless.
Modern research confirms that lighting affects not only the visual perception of a room, but also the psycho-emotional state of a person. For example, cold light increases concentration, and warm light promotes relaxation. This knowledge is actively used in the design of offices, restaurants, shopping centers and residential spaces. The purpose of this article is to consider the key principles of using light for zoning and mood management. We will analyze how different types of lighting affect a person, and what techniques help to create a comfortable and functional environment.
Basic principles of lighting design
Lighting design is based on three fundamental principles: functionality, aesthetics and emotional impact. Functionality implies that lighting should primarily correspond to the purpose of the space – provide sufficient visibility in work areas, soft diffused light in rest areas, etc.
The aesthetic component is responsible for visual harmony. Light can emphasize the architectural features of the room, highlight key objects or create interesting light accents. For example, lighting niches and cornices adds depth and volume to the interior. Emotional impact is one of the most important aspects. Different color temperatures and light intensities can evoke certain feelings in a person: cheerfulness, peace, concentration or even anxiety. For example, warm yellowish light is associated with coziness, and cold bluish light is associated with cleanliness and sterility.
Modern technologies allow you to combine these principles, creating smart lighting scenarios. For example, in a "smart home" lighting can automatically change depending on the time of day, simulating the natural course of sunlight.
Zoning space with light
One of the most effective ways to divide space is to use light. Unlike physical partitions, light zoning preserves the feeling of spaciousness, but at the same time clearly defines functional zones. For example, in studio apartments, lighting can be used to visually separate the living room from the kitchen or the work area from the bedroom. Bright directional light is often used to highlight work surfaces – kitchen countertops, desks, reading areas. At the same time, relaxation areas, such as sofas or beds, are usually illuminated with soft, diffused light, creating an atmosphere of relaxation. An interesting technique is the use of contrasting lighting. For example, in restaurants, tables can be illuminated with warm light, and the passages between them – with colder light. This not only helps guests navigate the space, but also creates a special dynamic in the interior.
Another popular method is accent lighting. With its help, you can highlight paintings, decorative elements, or even entire walls. This approach is often used in museums, galleries and boutiques where it is important to draw attention to certain objects.
Fig. 1
The psychological impact of light
Light has a direct impact on a person’s psycho-emotional state. Research shows that cold light with a color temperature above 5000 K increases concentration and performance. That is why it is often used in offices, educational institutions, and medical facilities. Warm light (2700-3000 K), on the contrary, promotes relaxation. It is associated with sunset or candlelight, so it is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and restaurants. Such light helps reduce stress levels and create a feeling of comfort.
Dynamic lighting, which changes throughout the day, also affects a person’s biorhythms. For example, in the morning the light can be colder and brighter to help wake up, and in the evening – warm and subdued, promoting relaxation. A special case is colored lighting. Different shades can evoke different emotions: blue is calming, red is exciting, green is associated with nature and harmony. However, it is important not to overdo it with colored light – shades that are too intense can cause irritation.
Color temperature and its impact
Color temperature is one of the key parameters of light, measured in Kelvin (K). It determines how warm or cold the light is perceived. For example, candlelight has a temperature of about 1800 K, and a clear blue sky has a temperature of over 10,000 K.
Warm light (2700-3000 K) is most often used in residential interiors. It creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. This light goes well with wooden and textile surfaces, giving the interior a soft feel.
Neutral light (4000-5000 K) is a universal option for work areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. It does not distort colors, which is especially important in places where precision is required (for example, near a mirror or in the kitchen).
Cold light (6000 K and above) is rarely used in residential areas, but is indispensable in offices, hospitals, and industrial areas. It improves concentration, but can cause eye fatigue with prolonged exposure.
Fig. 2
Dynamic lighting and smart technologies
Modern technologies allow us to take lighting design to a new level. Smart lighting systems can automatically adapt to the time of day, people's activity, and even their mood. For example, motion sensors turn on the light only where it is needed, saving energy.
RGB backlighting allows you to change the color of the lighting depending on the situation. In cinemas and bars, this creates an immersive effect, and at home, it allows you to personalize the interior. Another promising direction is biodynamic lighting, which imitates natural changes in sunlight throughout the day. Such systems are especially useful in offices and schools, where they help maintain productivity.
Application in public and residential spaces
In residential interiors, lighting design solves two main problems: functional zoning and creating an atmosphere. For example, in studio apartments, light can be used to visually separate the living room, kitchen, and sleeping area without using partitions. The kitchen island is often illuminated with pendant lights, the dining table with a chandelier with adjustable brightness, and the sitting area with floor lamps with warm light. In children's rooms, it is important to combine general lighting with local lighting – for example, soft lighting above the bed for reading fairy tales. Public spaces require more complex lighting solutions. In shopping centers, light performs a navigational function: brightly lit display cases attract attention, and more subdued lighting in the aisles directs the flow of visitors. Premium boutiques often use accent lighting with a high color rendering index (CRI> 90) to make the products look as attractive as possible.
Office spaces are now actively switching to biodynamic lighting, which automatically changes the color temperature throughout the day. In the morning, cold light (5000 K) predominates, stimulating activity, and in the evening it gradually changes to warm light (3000 K), helping employees smoothly switch to rest mode. In open-space zones, light lines on the ceiling are additionally used, which visually divide the space into clusters. A special case is lighting in medical institutions. Here, it is important to avoid flickering and sharp shadows, which can cause discomfort to patients. In wards, the light intensity is adjusted, and in operating rooms, neutral white light (4000 K) with ideal color rendering is used.
Mistakes in lighting design
Mistakes in lighting design can not only spoil the aesthetics of the space, but also negatively affect the functionality and psychological comfort. One of the most common problems is the incorrect calculation of light intensity. Too bright lighting in living spaces creates a feeling of sterility and discomfort, and insufficient lighting in work areas leads to rapid eye fatigue. This is especially critical in offices, where people spend 8-10 hours a day.
Another serious mistake is the mismatch of color temperature with the purpose of the room. For example, the use of cold white light (5000-6500 K) in the bedroom or living room disrupts natural biorhythms, making it difficult to relax. Conversely, warm yellowish light (2700-3000 K) in offices or laboratories reduces concentration. It is important to consider that even within the same room, different areas may require different lighting – there is no universal solution. Often designers forget about the importance of layered lighting, limiting themselves to only a central chandelier or spotlights. This creates monotony and a flat picture. A competent lighting design should include three levels: general lighting (ceiling), local (sconces, table lamps) and decorative (backlighting of niches, paintings, furniture). The absence of at least one of these elements makes the space less expressive. Finally, many underestimate the impact of natural light, relying entirely on artificial lighting. Large windows, skylights and transparent partitions can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the microclimate. However, it is important to think about protection from glare – for example, with the help of blinds or frosted glass.
Future trends
Lighting design continues to evolve, and we can expect even more innovations in the coming years. One of the key trends will be energy efficiency – LED and OLED technologies will consume even less energy at high brightness.
Smart systems will become even more personalized. For example, lighting will automatically adjust to a person’s individual biorhythms, improving their well-being. Another direction is interactive light installations that respond to movement, sound, or even people’s emotions. Such solutions can be used in museums, shopping centers, and public spaces.
Conclusion
Lighting design has long since transcended the boundaries of simple space lighting, turning into a subtle tool of architectural psychology. As research has shown, properly designed lighting can increase productivity in offices by 15-20%, increase the average bill in restaurants by 10-30%, and significantly improve the quality of life in residential premises.
The key trend of the next decade is the personalization of the lighting environment. AI-based systems are already analyzing user habits, automatically selecting optimal lighting scenarios. In the future, we will see the integration of lighting with biometric sensors – light will adapt not only to the time of day, but also to the pulse, body temperature, and even the emotional state of a person.
However, technological progress does not cancel the basic principles: any lighting should be primarily human-oriented. Light that perfectly emphasizes architecture, but causes discomfort to users cannot be considered a successful solution. This is why modern designers need to combine technical knowledge with an understanding of the psychophysiology of perception. As practice shows, investments in competent lighting design pay off not only by saving energy, but also by improving the quality of life. Lighting ceases to be just a utilitarian element – it becomes a language in which space communicates with a person.
References:
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