Throughout the time, starting from the evolution of the
universe after the big bang till today, lighting is considered as one of the
most important elements for every living thing starting from every molecule to
human beings. The importance of lighting for humans is highlighted in different
books, studies and research papers issued by different authors and
professionals in the field.
In the electronic publication titled ‘A History of Light and
Lighting’, Bill Williams (1999) issued an in depth historic antithetical
information regarding Lighting and light. A detailed history is defined in this
publication with individual sections which highlights the importance of
lighting in every life which starts from detailed information about ‘the sun’
(p.01) which highlights the very first type of light. Williams in later stages
of the publication starts to highlight the important of lighting for living
with reference to ‘Early Life’ and ‘Photosynthesis’ (p.02) which strengthen the
importance of lighting for different spices.
In the research paper ‘Lighting and Psychology’ published by
Dr Sergio Altomonte (2005/06), the psychological and physiological effect of
lighting is analysed in depth by research and analyses of a case study in
Australia. In the introduction of this research paper, Dr Altomonte started by
analyzing the importance of lighting for human physiology by referring to the
biological clock which evolved during planet earth existence. Dr Altomonte
highlights important issues which are effecting human beings both
physiologically and psychologically as he states that “ We are
increasingly deviating from the organic
and functional recurrence dictated by natural color, angle and intensity of
daylight and replacing it with an artificial timetable which is imposed by work
schedules, the calendar and the clock”
(Altomonte, 2005/06: 02) which contrast with the evolution of human
beings which relied on a “24-Hour light-
dark cycle” (Altomonte, 2005/06: 02).
Lighting can create a Psychological effect on human beings
depending on our perception of the space and atmosphere that we’re in. In an
online research paper titled “ Lighting : Its Effect on People and Space” by
Delores (Dee) Ginthner (2002), Emphases were made in the introduction regarding
different application of lighting creating different perception of space.
Although lighting is seen as a singular element in interior design, different
lighting strategies will manipulate the interior and with a creation of
different perception of space, the ambiance and mood will be manipulated with a
direct effect on the physiology and psychology of the user.
The surrounding space alone is one kind of language which
will create direct effect on the user. In “The Language of Space” By Bryan
Lawson (2001), surrounding space is described in depth from different
perspective depicting several situations how space is perceived in different
ways. By describing the theories regarding space with different examples which
all human beings go trough in everyday life, Lawson manages to highlight
several situations describing different manipulated surrounding spaces which
directly effect the user. In the initial stages of the book, Lawson describes
different scenarios that with specific manipulation of space, human beings can
automatically be driven into a road to different emotions which will manipulate
and dictate their behavior.
Throughout the second chapter of the book, Lawson (2001)
highlighted several important characteristics regarding space which has direct
connection with the psychological side human beings. Stimulation, Motivation,
Behavior and security were subjects among other which highlights the direct
effect of the surrounding space on human psychology.
These different psychological effect on the human brain can
be directly manipulated by different lighting strategies. In “Interior Lighting
for Designer” by Gary Gordon (2003), Gordon describes different lighting
strategies which manipulate human perception of space, behavior and emotions.
Gordon States that Subjective impression
of space are function of brightness
contrast: the relationship of surface that are lighted( the focus or
foreground) to those that are left in comparative darkness (the surround or
background)” (Gordon, 2003: 11)
Throughout the book, Gordon (2003) evaluate different
lighting strategies and several cases compares different lighting setups in the
same space and examine the different impact that every setup has on human
psychology. Along the in depth analyses, Gordon examined and studies the work
of the late professor John Flynn. Different examples from the cross
examinations of lighting setup by Gordon, specific physiological effects
emerged depicting different scenarios that represents the different needs f a
human in different areas of his quarters.
Examining and understanding the literature mentioned,
clearly identify the importance of lighting and the direct involvement in
psychological manipulation and well being of human kind. Several studies and
observations can strengthen the important amalgamation of interior and lighting
design to create the perfect harmony and environment for the user which will
directly result in help for a better living. Designers has to always keep in
mind the true purpose of design which go far from just aesthetics as one of the
strongest meaning of design is problem solving a meaning which highlights the
importance of lighting design for psychological health and well being of human
kind.
Reference List
Williams, B,
1999. History. A History of Light and Lighting, [Online]. 2.2, 88. Available
at: http://www.mts.net/ [Accessed 06 April 2015]
Altomonte, S,
2005. Lighting and Physiology. Artificial and Natural Light Related to the
Human Body, [Online]. 1, 19. Available at: http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/
[Accessed 08 April 2015]
Ginthner, D,
2002. Implication. Lighting: Its Effect on People and Spaces, [Online]. 1, 5.
Available at: http://www.informedesign.org/ [Accessed 06 April 2015]
Lawson, B, 2001.
The Language of Space. 1st ed. United Kingdom: Architectural Press
Gordon, G, 2003.
Interior Lighting for Designers. 4th ed. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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