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𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | international day

eid adha mubarak! this holiday, let your lights shine as bright as your blessings. may your home be filled with warmth and joy.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | international day

5 june - world environment day

light the way for a brighter future!
happy world environment day! as lighting designers, we have the power to illuminate spaces beautifully and responsibly. let's embrace sustainable practices.

together, we can create a world that's not only well-lit but environmentally conscious.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light pollution

energy consumption

light pollution and energy consumption are like two sides of the same coin. inefficient or unnecessary lighting creates a double whammy. first, it wastes energy by casting light upwards into the night sky, where it does nothing but contribute to the problem of light pollution. unshielded bulbs and lights left on in unoccupied buildings are prime examples of this waste. imagine streetlights that bathe the sky in light even when there's no one around – that's wasted energy creating a hazy glow over our cities. the second impact is the economic cost. all this wasted energy translates to billions of dollars in unnecessary spending on electricity. so, light pollution isn't just an aesthetic issue – it's a drain on our wallets and the environment.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | international day

eid fitr mubarak

just as the crescent moon marks the arrival of eid, may its light illuminate your heart with joy and peace. eid mubarak!

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

history project, kimbell art museum by louis kahn.

>>> swipe to see the original sketches.

louis kahn's design for the kimbell art museum in fort worth revolutionized museum architecture, forever changing its future. at the heart of his vision lies the art museum, where light is the principal concept and theme. beneath the smooth, concrete vaulted ceiling, the space is transformed into a moonlit, pearly shining surface, subtly articulating the glow on its surface.

kahn's innovative approach introduces indirect natural light into the art gallery spaces through strategically placed skylights between the concrete shells. this method ensures that direct light does not harm the artwork. sunlight enters from the skylights and is reflected upward onto the ceiling by aluminum reflectors positioned beneath them. this masterful manipulation of light enhances the museum experience and safeguards the precious artworks on display, setting a new standard for museum design.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | international day

mother's day

from the warmth of your womb to the light of our world, happy mother's day! thank you for giving us life.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | international day

ramadan kareem

may the radiant blessings of ramadan illuminate your path with joy, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | international day

8th mar, international women's day

the search of the glow by Ling-Li Tseng

in the realm of lighting, unlike in architecture, women have arguably played a more significant role in shaping the profession. lighting, a relatively young discipline, emerged primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by increasing women's liberation and advocacy for equal opportunities.

naomi miller, principal of naomi miller lighting design in troy, new york, agrees, noting that women have been involved in the profession since its inception. in 2008, out of 764 members of the international association of lighting designers (iald), encompassing various categories, 312 were women, comprising nearly 41 percent of the membership. in comparison, data from 2005 indicated that only 12 percent of the american institute of architects (aia) members were women.

young women today benefit from the victories of the women's movement, with opportunities in education and work appearing more attainable. however, this wasn't always the case. from the 1940s to the 1970s, women interested in architecture were often discouraged and nudged towards perceived less technical professions like theater or interior design. many contemporary lighting professionals emphasize that lighting allowed them to specialize, providing a sense of expertise and recognition.

taylor and horton highlight that women face different standards in the workplace, needing to prove themselves and their expertise in ways not necessarily required of men. despite being the minority in many professional settings, women like patricia glasow assert that demonstrating competence fosters respect and credibility among peers.

furthermore, women's multitasking abilities, honed by balancing work and home responsibilities, prove advantageous in design practice, where quick problem-solving is essential.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light pollution

safety and security

light pollution, particularly from glare lighting, poses significant safety and security risks. glare lighting disrupts our vision in two main ways. firstly, its stark contrast to the darkness of night abruptly ends any night vision we may have developed. the rod cells in our eyes, crucial for low-light vision and aided by rhodopsin (a compound found in vitamin a-rich foods like carrots), become overwhelmed and saturated by the intense light, effectively blinding us temporarily. rod cells, being a thousand times more sensitive than our color-detecting cone cells, require over forty minutes to regenerate enough rhodopsin for optimal night vision, a process that takes even longer in older individuals. consequently, our pupils constrict and our rods lose sensitivity, rendering us temporarily blind in the presence of glare lighting. while our cone cells remain functional and can perceive the glare and its color accurately, they are unable to pe*****te darker areas beyond the glare or within shadows, as we rely on fully functional rod cells for such visibility. this temporary blindness can lead to risky behaviors due to the perceived brightness of the environment, posing safety hazards.

floodlights exacerbate glare issues and create areas of intense shadow, often resulting in displeasure from neighbors. excessive lighting not only raises safety concerns for homeowners and businesses but also poses health and environmental risks. while lighting is often used for safety purposes, its effectiveness depends on constant monitoring. poorly designed or misused lighting can inadvertently aid intruders by providing information about the property and enabling them to assess potential vulnerabilities. motion sensor lighting, when properly calibrated to avoid false alarms, can effectively deter intruders by alerting occupants to suspicious activity. outdoor motion sensors triggering indoor lights are particularly effective in deterring burglars. conversely, leaving outdoor lights on overnight may attract vandals and graffiti artists, creating opportunities for mischief.

inadequate lighting at night can compromise safety by creating concealment for criminals within deep shadows. being temporarily blinded by glare lighting renders individuals vulnerable to attacks as perpetrators take advantage of dark hiding spots. direct glare light, such as from high beams or poorly aimed porch lights, is counterproductive, requiring significant time for night vision to adjust to optimal levels. redirecting outdoor lighting toward the ground can help conserve energy and reduce light pollution, allowing for the use of lower wattage bulbs while maintaining visibility where needed.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light installation

ripple

>> swipe to see more

on sunny days, when sunlight filters through the pipes in the ceiling and a gentle breeze stirs, an enchanting play of light unfolds within the space, resembling drops cascading onto the surface of water. the ever-shifting light dances with the wind, unveiling new vistas as it descends. this architectural marvel serves as a captivating embodiment of the atmospheric changes that occur seasonally, daily, and with the passing of time. visitors are treated to unique experiences depending on the time of day they choose to explore, witnessing a natural phenomenon beyond human manipulation.

conceived as part of his phd graduation project, the site sits nestled between the zoo and the university, boasting lush vegetation and unexpected wildlife in an urban setting. blessed with ample sunlight and unrestricted airflow, the environment provides an ideal canvas for the project's realization. guided by the site's contours, solar orientation, prevailing winds, and average wind speeds, the designer meticulously crafted the space, overseeing every aspect of construction with his own hands.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

chungha building
gangnam-gu, seoul, south korea
architectural firm: mvrdv

just as a korean pop song went global and gangnam rose to international fame, mvrdv transformed a building on gangnam's apgujung road. despite its completion in the 1980s, the chungha building felt outdated among flagship stores, prompting a nine-month renovation that added an extra level.

the previous façade, cluttered with competing fonts, clashed with the beige natural stone, ruining the building's aesthetics. the structure lacked a unified identity and hosted various businesses, including a french leather accessories label and plastic surgery practices. the innovative concept focused on turning chungha into a dynamic collection of shop windows, becoming a canvas for each brand's display. the façade, now an ever-changing advertisement space, paradoxically became more honest.

curvaceous frames and mosaic tiles were strategically employed, with led lights playing a transformative role. given the limited construction site size and height, the refurbishment was a challenge that demanded meticulous attention. unveiled, the building now boasts large windows filled with transparent posters, offering space for changing brand identities and ensuring discretion for plastic surgery clients. additionally, a 10% addition on the top floor will be transformed into a café with outside terraces, resulting in a total surface of 2,820 m2. the exterior façade tiles, resembling white foam up close and smooth white stone from afar, contribute to the building's aesthetic, especially when illuminated by led lights, adding a dynamic visual element to the structure.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | history

introduction of domestic lighting

from the neon tubes of theater marquees to your desk lamp at work, from the million-watt glare of sports stadiums to the nightlight faintly glowing in your child’s bedroom, it’s impossible to imagine the modern world without artificial lighting. more than a century after the widespread adoption of electricity, it’s clear that our lust for light bulbs brought us into the future. the desire for incandescent lighting resulted in the creation of electric grids, which improved communication, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and education. accessible electricity also made every subsequent tech boom possible, paving the way for computers and the internet.

the lowly light bulb’s profound impact turned it into the universal symbol for innovation—yet despite the bulb’s storied legacy and thomas edison’s near-mythical status, for most people, that leap from fickle flame to unwavering electric light is vague at best. even as antique-style edison bulbs proliferate in trendy bars and restaurants, most of us know next to nothing about this revolutionary little lamp, the details of its delicate design hidden in shadow.

during the early 19th century, natural gas, kerosene, and whale oil all provided fuel for lighting homes and businesses. in particular, the gas industry had invested in extensive pipe infrastructure to light offices, public institutions, streets, and homes. though widely used, these methods were dirty and dangerous, and their light wasn’t much stronger than the flame of a candle.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

masjid bab al salam
muscat, oman
architectural firm: altqadum

embarking on a journey to celebrate omani architecture and evoke a spiritual experience, the project transcended conventional design boundaries. the focus was not just "what" to build, but "how" to seamlessly integrate tradition, sustainability, and monumentality into a singular architectural masterpiece.

the core of the concept centered around spirituality intertwined with omani heritage. the vision was to create a design that echoed the simplicity of historical mosques while resonating with contemporary functionality. crafting a monument that spoke to both present and future generations posed a significant challenge.

architectural musings were driven by a desire to infuse life into the surroundings, creating a public space that breathes vitality. drawing inspiration from traditional mosques, the team rediscovered the elegance in simplicity, scrutinizing the user's journey and redefining the mosque's main functions both architecturally and experientially.

the vision came to life with innovative construction techniques and meticulous material choices. lighting played a pivotal role, with the men's hall chandelier, a masterpiece of over 1600 crystal glass balls, paying homage to islamic architectural features.

the project redefines the traditional mosque landscape, encouraging public engagement and fostering interaction between users and the lush landscape. in essence, the omani mosque project stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, seamlessly blending spirituality, sustainability, and monumentality into a harmonious architectural symphony, with lighting serving as a beacon of artistic and functional brilliance.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light pollution

human health

light pollution and its profound impact on human health. the delicate balance between day and night, meticulously choreographed by our circadian rhythm, is disrupted by the relentless glow of city lights, leading to a host of health issues.

studies unequivocally link light pollution to sleep disturbances, with artificial illumination at night affecting the production of melatonin—a hormone crucial for regulating sleep. the constant exposure to bright lights, particularly those emitted by screens and led fixtures, not only contributes to insomnia but also elevates the risk of anxiety and depression. as our world becomes increasingly bathed in the artificial glow, the need for awareness grows—both about the consequences of light pollution and the importance of preserving the sanctity of natural darkness for our well-being.

beyond the realm of sleep, pervasive artificial light disrupts the delicate dance of our biological processes, impacting hormone regulation, mood stability, and overall mental health. it's an intricate interplay of biology and environment, where the consequences of our illuminated nights extend far beyond the visible spectrum. as we navigate this luminous modern landscape, a thoughtful reconsideration of our approach to artificial light becomes imperative, not only to reclaim the beauty of natural darkness but to safeguard the intricate balance of our own health.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

joá chapel
rio de janeiro, brazil
architectural firm: bernardes arquitetura

the chapel, positioned along the existing access pathway, relies on a single column opposite the entrance that rises from the ground and evolves into a cross at floor level. a primary steel structure that supports a series of parallel timber porticoes, orchestrating a shift in the internal spatial dynamics from horizontal to vertical.

central to the design is the steel cross, elegantly framed by wood and set against the backdrop of the sea with transparent glass enveloping the chapel, serving as a protective skin for the sides while reflecting the lush tropical forest surrounding it.

appearing almost weightless, the structure and its elements embody a pursuit of simplicity, capturing and playing with the nuances of light.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

helix garage
lexington, ky, united states
architectural firm: pohl rosa pohl architecture+design

built in 1966, the helix garage in lexington's main street underwent extensive structural renovations, transforming it from an eyesore into a city asset. walter p. moore handled the structural design, while pohl rosa pohl revamped the facade.

the structural renovations not only saved the building from demolition but also proved to be environmentally friendly. the new facade features discrete steel panels suspended on a rhythmic vertical steel scaffold. opaque panels at the ends and corners offer gravitas and host a custom sign with a helix motif. between them, three layers of perforated stainless steel panels create an intriguing play of transparency during the day and serve as a canvas for led backlighting at night.

responding to its context, the facade mirrors wall-to-window ratios on neighboring buildings, revealing the original concrete structure in some areas. the perforated panels follow simple rules, with three panel shapes for each layer, creating rhythm and hierarchy.

at night, the facade comes alive with shifting colors, providing an ever-changing composition. on special occasions, the colors reflect the event, contributing to the public spirit of the space.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light installation

swing time redefines urban illumination through 20 ring-shaped swings, each featuring dynamic led lighting controlled by a custom micro-controller. in a static state, the swings emit a soft, white glow, transforming into a vivid purple hue when set in motion. this interactive playscape not only illuminates the area but also creates a captivating visual experience, merging light, motion, and community engagement in the heart of boston.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light pollution

wildlife

light pollution has profound and detrimental effects on wildlife, disrupting natural behaviors and ecological processes. the impact extends across various species, including mammals, birds, insects, and even aquatic life. one significant consequence is the alteration of natural light-dark cycles, which can lead to a range of issues.

nocturnal animals, adapted to life in the dark, are particularly vulnerable. many species rely on darkness for activities such as hunting, mating, and avoiding predators. the introduction of artificial light can disorient these animals, leading to decreased feeding efficiency and increased vulnerability to predation.

birds are also profoundly affected by light pollution, especially during migration. artificial lights can attract and disorient birds, causing collisions with structures or exhaustion as they circle lit areas. this can have severe consequences for bird populations, disrupting migration patterns and contributing to population declines.

insects, too, are impacted, with artificial lights attracting and trapping them. this not only depletes local insect populations but also has cascading effects on the broader ecosystem, as insects play crucial roles in pollination and serve as a food source for other wildlife.

marine life faces challenges as well. artificial light near coastlines can interfere with the life cycles of sea turtles, disrupting their nesting and hatchling behavior. additionally, artificial lights can affect the behavior of fish and other marine organisms, potentially impacting the balance of marine ecosystems.

in summary, light pollution disrupts the natural behaviors and ecological interactions of wildlife across various species and ecosystems. mitigating light pollution is crucial for preserving biodiversity, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and ensuring the survival of numerous species that rely on the natural rhythms of light and darkness for their survival.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

naman retreat pure spa
da nang, vietnam
architectural firm: mia design studio

inspired by the seamless dance of light, the residence is a living canvas where each room is meticulously designed to harness the interplay between daylight and artificial illumination. the architects envisioned a contemporary dwelling that not only caters to modern living but also profoundly emphasizes how light interacts with space.

drawing inspiration from mathematical theories of shape dissection, the project delves into the very essence of how light, both natural and artificial, can shape and define a space experientially and functionally. as you traverse the dwelling, the living spaces unfold as dynamic interplays of framed views inside and panoramic vistas of the valley below. walls, deliberately non-parallel, act as sculptors of space, expanding and collapsing at the room level. privacy is not just a physical boundary but a nuanced layering of space and controlled sightlines, eliminating the need for formal thresholds or conventional doors.

at this architectural marvel's heart lies a courtyard, a sanctuary formed by diagonal slices through the home. this deliberate design creates a microclimate, sheltered within the urban environment, where the emphasis is not just on the physical form but how light becomes the orchestrator of the visual symphony.

here, light is not merely a functional aspect; it's an art form. each room becomes a theater where daylight and artificial luminance merge seamlessly, crafting a choreography of shadows, reflections, and hues. the design transcends the conventional boundaries of architecture, making light not just an illuminating factor but a pivotal element that sculpts and defines the essence of the residence. in every corner, at every angle, the play of light is intentional – an architectural ballet that transforms the pittman dowell residence into a living, breathing masterpiece of luminosity.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

antonio gaudí, a luminary in architectural history, left an indelible mark through his nature-inspired creations, becoming a leading figure in catalan modernism. his influence is evident in iconic structures such as the sagrada familia, parc güell, colònia güell, casa milà, and the renowned casa battló, which stands as a symbol of barcelona's architectural prowess.

casa battló underwent transformation in 1903 when gaudí was commissioned to revamp the 1877 building. drawing inspiration from marine life, gaudí employed curves and vibrant colors, reshaping the facade and interior. this renovation not only altered the physical aspects of the house but also revolutionized its interaction with natural light. fast forward to 2021, a new interior project for the stairs and atrium of casa batlló emerged, a dialogue between kriskadecor's aluminum chains and kengo kuma's design, preserving gaudí's luminous legacy.

the interior project aligns with gaudí's mastery of light, featuring a floating staircase adorned with cascading anodized aluminum chains—a central vertical element spanning eight floors. kriskadecor's pivotal role is emphasized in producing 2000 m² of chains and 160 m² of panels, creating a seamless integration with the atrium and coal bunkers. effective coordination between kriskadecor, kengo kuma, and casa batlló's technical team proved crucial in overcoming challenges related to the project's complexity, particularly in constructing stairs under a sloping roof.

the project's uniqueness lies in the layered application of anodized aluminum chains, introducing movement and volume reminiscent of gaudí's organic architecture. transparency becomes a defining aesthetic element, interacting with light and shadow throughout the day. kengo kuma's design skillfully unifies the chains, creating a multidimensional composition that pays homage to gaudí's visionary approach. the adaptability of anodized aluminum chains adds a layer of versatility, offering limitless possibilities for diverse applications and ensuring a seamless connection between the chains.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | light installation

"light is time" is a remarkable pop-up installation that explores the intricate connection between light and time. it has graced prestigious venues such as the triennale di milano design museum, baselworld trade fair, and the tokyo aoyama spiral, courtesy of the renowned watchmaker citizen. the installation comprises an astonishing 80,000 floating "base-plates," the structural components that underpin every watch.

the inspiration for this captivating creation emanates from citizen's legacy in watchmaking, ultimately coalescing into the elegantly simple concept that "light is time." it alludes to the birth of light at the universe's inception during the big bang. as the rising sun gradually bathes the earth in light, shadows evolve into myriad shapes, and the changing seasons paint nature with diverse colors. the waxing and waning of the moon also mark the passage of time. humanity's recognition of these phenomena inadvertently gave rise to the concept of time itself.

citizen has embraced the challenge of crafting timepieces where "time changes by light," in perfect harmony with the company's philosophy of creating "watches for all citizens." within this exhibition, a luminous space is meticulously designed, housing three distinct volumes that showcase citizen's historic journey, from its inaugural pocket watch that marked the company's inception to cutting-edge satellite watches. the aim is to invite visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, pondering the question: "what truly defines a watch?"

in the 21st century, the relationship between time and light is reaffirmed with "light is time." it underscores the profound truth that time is intrinsically linked to light. without light, our universe's marvels, the richness of our planet, and the joy of our lives would cease to exist. "light is time" embodies the triumphant return of light to the realm of time, marking an extraordinary feat in "21st-century light."

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 | project repost

water-moon monastery
taipei city, taiwan
architectural firm: kris yao | artech

the water-moon monastery had its beginnings in a serene location, nestled on the expansive guandu plain with a picturesque view of the keelung river and the datun mountain as a backdrop. the monastery's design seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings to create a tranquil spiritual haven.

visitors approaching the temple first encounter two protective walls of varying heights, which shield them from the nearby expressway. as they step inside, their gaze is drawn to the main hall, located at the far end of an 80-meter lotus pond. the reflections on the pond create an almost dreamlike ambiance, with oversized colonnades and golden drapes enhancing the illusion. the predominant use of architectural concrete and minimal color and form in the design embodies the zen buddhist spirit.

the lower section of the grand hall appears almost suspended, giving it an ethereal quality. on the western side of the grand hall, an immense wooden wall is intricately carved with the revered "heart sutra" in chinese characters. when sunlight filters through these carved characters, the space is suffused with cultural and spiritual significance.

beyond the extended corridor, the characters from the "vajracchedika prajnaparamita sutra" are voided into prefabricated grc panels, not only serving as sunshades but also adding layers of religious symbolism. when sunlight imprints the scripture on the interior surface, it's as if the buddha's teachings are silently revealed.