Handmade Portraits: Lightexture

Interior Lighting Effects: Fixture as Architecture

Images ::: www.3-form.com ::: Aureole Restaurant

Using a fixture as an architectural element within a design creates visual interest and can define space. In these examples, the fixtures are also used to evoke intimacy within a defined area. By utilizing the fixtures as "drop ceiling" elements, they provide a sense of scale, emit ambient light, and create a sense of ambiance. 

Images ::: www.interiorzine.com ::: The AMEBA Light by Pete Sans.

Interior Lighting Effects: Track Lighting

Image ::: www.invitinghome.com

This example uses track lighting to accent artwork.  This is utilizing the idea behind the concept of phototropism, where individuals are drawn to light.  This effect could also be used in a retail space to place emphasis on products, or in a restaurant space to place emphasis on menus. 

Image ::: www.interiordesign.lovetoknow.com

This example utilizes the flexibility of track lighting.  The fixtures direct light through the space, while focusing additional light on particular areas to emphasize hierarchy within the space. 

Interior Lighting Effects: Color

Image ::: www.3-form.com

This example uses back lit illumination through translucent 3-form panels to emit color, create visual interest, and emphasize this particular feature within the space.  The vertical surfaces of the illuminated panels also create visual boundaries.

Images ::: Berkshire Dining Hall, UMass Amherst ::: Architect: Livermore, Edwards & Associates, Inc.

This is an example of a ceiling wash. In the design above, it was used to create drama, emphasize height, and draw visual interest. An additional effect of the colored illumination is to give the impression of destination.

Interior Lighting Effects: Uplight

Images ::: Berkshire Dining Hall, UMass Amherst ::: Architect: Livermore, Edwards & Associates, Inc.

This example uses uplight to accent the serving counter, create visual interest, define mood and emphasize the tiled texture of the counter's base. The inset fixtures in the floor define a boundary and reinforce the circulation path.

Interior Lighting Effects: Downlight

Image ::: www.invitinghome.com

This is an example of wall washing, where the downlight is highlighting the architecture and emphasizing the matte white finish and brick texture of the wall.

Image ::: www.3-form.com

The recessed fixtures in this example are directing the light downward to add emphasis to the grass 3-form panel. The fixtures are also placed in a repetitive fashion in order to define a lighted perimeter.

Image ::: www.contractdesign.com ::: Mari's Brownies

The recessed fixtures in this example direct illumination downward in order to highlight the cubby spaces on the back wall, as well as to provide task lighting for the back counter area.

Rice House

1000 Old Locke Lane

Richmond, VA 23226

The vast walls of glass windows not only take advantage of the amazing view of the James River, but they also allow vast amounts of daylight to filter throughout the house.

The cantilevered roof structure directs the natural light and diffuses it throughout the space.  The luminaries in the overhangs create a sense of outdoor lighting from within the space when there is no or low daylight.

View from within the living room. (Note: the table lamp shown is not original to the house.)

View from unobstructed balcony.

View from second living room.

Recessed can fixtures provide functional lighting, while the chandelier is decorative and adds ambiance.  Again, natural daylight filters throughout this space.

In the fall of 2009, I had the opportunity to take a tour of this historic landmark.  If you haven't been, I highly recommend taking a peek! It is breathtaking!

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The Cheesecake Factory

Short Pump Town Center

11800 West Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23233

The lighting in this space is detailed and layered. The design pays close attention to daylight which is exemplified through clerestory windows, various awnings, and sun screens.  Each window located on the South-West side of the building is covered with a mesh sunscreen, in order to reduce glare and harsh direct sunlight.

These awnings are set below the clerestory windows in order to allow daylight in through the top and span further across the space, while shading the lower half of the window with the awnings.

These awnings are set at the top of the arches in order to provide shade to the seating in this alcove. The arches themselves are thick in structure which projects diffused daylight further into the space.

The electrical lighting in this space is also detailed and layered. It consists of can fixtures, sconces, pendents, back-lighting and up-lighting. In addition to functional lighting, the decorative features highlight the various textures of the materials, add emphasis, and create ambiance within the space.

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Apple

Short Pump Town Center

11800 West Broad Street 

Richmond, VA 23233

A curtain wall of glass window and door fenestrations span the length of the front facade. The exterior roof feature acts as a shelf to shade the store from direct sunlight.

The interior lighting is clean, sleek, and crisp. This is achieved through a series of florescent panels and can fixtures in a grid system layout. These elements establish the overall lighting in the space. 

Additional lighting elements include the directional can fixtures which are used to highlight specific details and the backlit panels which are used to highlight and create ambiance. The lighting design is streamlined and functions effectively, while placing emphasis on the products.

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Starbucks Coffee

Short Pump Town Center

11800 West Broad Street 

Richmond, VA 23233

Clerestory windows and a curtain wall of glass window and door fenestrations span the length of the front facade.  The exterior roof feature acts as a shelf to shade the store from direct sunlight.

Interior view of clerestory windows and the curtain wall of glass window and door fenestrations.

The interior lighting features include changes in ceiling heights, can fixtures, track lighting, and pendent fixtures.  The can fixtures are used to give a sufficient amount of overall lighting throughout the space.  The track lighting is used to highlight specific features including menus and artwork.  The pendent lights are included for ambiance.

The lighting in this space creates a warm and inviting ambiance, which is well suited for the coffee shop atmosphere they are projecting.  The lighting is an extension of the design they aimed to create with the warm color tones and rich texture used throughout the space.

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James Branch Cabell Library

901 Park Ave.
Richmond, VA 23284

The entrance to the James Branch Cabell Library, located on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, is constructed of a series of columns, connecting arches, and glass fenestrations. The architectural overhang created by the arches allows natural daylight to be diffused throughout the interior of the space.

The arching interior soffits were constructed to project daylight further throughout the space. The natural daylight in combination with the overhead fluorescents (with frosted translucent panels) create a sufficient amount of light for the entrance which is used as a gathering space, waiting space, or simply used to pass through.

Based on the location of the entrance, it is important to note that the ample natural daylight is due to the space receiving full morning sun through the window fenestrations on the East side of the building.  As the sun rises, natural daylight is diffused throughout the space until it begins to set.

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