Category: Uncategorized

Lighting Design is not just about illuminating a space but it has a profound effect on our mood, health, and well-being. Companies and homeowners are now realising the power of lighting when it comes to creating an environment that is more productive, comfortable, and visually appealing. In this blog post, we will explore the different ways lighting can be used to transform a space and renew the environment through light. We will take a closer look at public realm lighting, hospitality lighting, experiential lighting, cultural lighting, and residential lighting.

Public Realm Lighting – How it Illuminates Spaces and Affects the Quality of Life 

Public realm lighting is an essential element in urban design as it illuminates public spaces, streets, and highways. The quality of public realm lighting can affect the way people feel about these spaces, and ultimately impact their quality of life. Properly designed public realm lighting can enhance the beauty of urban spaces, promote social interaction, and improve safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. As a lighting design consultant based in the Middle East and East Africa, we know the importance of public realm lighting. Our approach balances aesthetics and technical soundness all while taking into consideration the human-centric factor as this increases productivity and inspires.

Hospitality Lighting – How it Elevates Your Venue

Hospitality lighting is a crucial element in creating a welcoming atmosphere in restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the hospitality industry. A well-thought-out lighting scheme can highlight key features, create a sense of intimacy, and make customers feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Hotels, in particular, can use lighting to enhance the guest experience by using lighting to set the mood, create a calming effect, or add drama to the space. At Light. Func we have worked on many hospitality lighting projects, and our knowledge of lighting design and human behaviour has helped create successful projects which promote a sense of well-being and satisfaction.

Experiential Lighting – How it Creates an Engaging Visual Experience 

Experiential lighting is a form of lighting that goes beyond illumination, creating an immersive experience for viewers. It is commonly used in concerts, exhibitions, and themed environments to create a memorable and impactful experience. Experiential lighting is used to create dynamic visuals, colours, shapes, and effects that can be programmed to create an interactive element. Light. Func has worked on various experiential projects and combines our technical expertise with innovative ideas to produce captivating lighting experiences.

Cultural Lighting – How it Highlights Key Events and Monumental Structures 

Cultural lighting is used to highlight the significance of cultural and historical landmarks and also to enhance their beauty. A significant part of cultural lighting is used to illuminate major events, festivals, and ceremonies. Proper cultural lighting can transform the experience of these events, making them more engaging and significant. At Light. Func we have extensive experience working on cultural lighting projects and have produced remarkable designs that enhance the cultural significance of landmarks.

Residential Lighting – How it Improves Living Conditions and Safety in Homes

Residential lighting is essential in creating a safe and comfortable environment in homes. Properly designed residential lighting can help reduce the risk of falls, enhance security, and improve overall well-being. Lighting can also create a beautiful home environment by highlighting key features, creating mood lighting, and adding character. Light. Func understands the importance of residential lighting and how it can be used to improve the quality of life in homes and create spaces that reflect the homeowner’s personality.

Innovative Lighting Design for Enhanced Environments

Lighting design is an essential aspect of creating a visually stimulating and comfortable environment. Different types of lighting schemes can be used to provide an improved quality of life and create a unique and engaging experience. Light. Func’s approach of researching the specific needs of each project and collaborating effectively with all disciplines involved ensures the successful realisation of lighting projects. We believe strongly in promoting our role through industry and education involvement to continually raise the bar of lighting design.

Discover the power of innovative lighting design with Light. Func. Elevate your spaces and enhance your environment today.

enquire@lightfunc.org

Tanzania

+255 784 601612

UAE

+971 4 548 6144

UK

+44 7588 573 791

Light.Func introduces you to five key elements of lighting design best practice.

Professional lighting design is a highly skilled arena with many years of study and experience forming the cornerstone of successful lighting schemes. So when it comes to lighting your commercial or residential space effectively, you’ll certainly want to consult the experts! However, there are a few key elements that will help ignite your spark of lighting creativity and steer your project in the right direction. Let’s focus on our Top 5 to get you started.

• • Natural light
    Natural light is an invaluable tool to shape and enrich your space. The best lighting schemes start with a careful study of the natural light available. Bringing natural light into your space using exterior glazing such as windows and skylights can reduce the need for artificial lighting and save energy – not to mention looking fabulous!
  • Ambient lighting
    Think of ambient lighting as the foundation of light within your environment. As well as providing basic functionality to ensure that you can use the space comfortably, ambient lighting enhances the feeling of warmth and depth of your space. Traditionally, overhead lighting such as chandeliers, recessed lights, and track lights, can all be used to create effective ambient lighting. The best lighting designers rely on interior and architectural detailing to create overall ambience.
  • Colour temperature
    Colour temperature describes how warm or cool a white light is as seen by the human eye. Warm light will create a cosy, gentle, inviting ambience, perfect for bedrooms, lounges, family rooms, dining areas or any space that requires an intimate and personal feel – think Hospitality! For kitchens, bathrooms or workspaces, neutral and soft white are sometimes preferred for a friendly and clean light. And, for offices, hospitals or other commercial spaces where functionality is a priority, cool light will work best at certain times, grading down to warm light – also bringing into play the Circadian mystery.
  • Lumens
    Put simply, lumens are a measure of the total quantity of visible light from a lamp or light source. A higher lumen rating means a brighter and more energy-efficient lamp. Consider the dimensions of your space and the activities that will develop there to select the right bulb or light source.
  • Accent lighting
    If you want to make those unique architectural features pop, accent lighting is a great investment. Consider it the ‘icing on the cake’ of your lighting design scheme: when you have all your key foundational elements covered, of course. When used effectively, accent lighting can make all the best features of your home come alive. With the right creative input and technical know-how, this type of light can be a piece of art in itself.

And, your bonus tip:

• Functional lighting
  With all the best creative vision in the world, if you can’t use the space safely and comfortably for the tasks at hand, your scheme will have fallen short. From lighting entrances, exits, and stairwells to illuminating exhibition and workspaces for detailed tasks, your functional light should support and enrich the user experience at every level.

Having a light bulb moment? For exceptional, professional lighting design advice contact us today:

enquire@lightfunc.org

Tanzania

+255 784 601612

UAE

+971 4 548 6144

UK

+44 7588 573 791

Light.Func takes a deep dive into the key lighting features and approaches that will take your architectural lighting from good to great.

As the construction world grows and develops exponentially, the role of the lighting designer has never been more important. Whether we’re building a home, attending an event, or visiting a new restaurant, we expect more and more from the world around us. The potential impact of lighting on each experience is paramount – and in the commercial world, getting the lighting right to improve the customer experience is a deal-breaker. So, as you embark on any new lighting project, it’s good to be aware of the following elements:

Complement the architectural style

Each architectural style will have its own modern interior and exterior lighting design. Each should optimise the natural light of day and night. Even the most ambitious, creative lighting schemes start with a crucial period of analysis to understand what light the architecture inherently offers, and what lighting the unique features need to enrich and enhance the space. Take our project Juma’a Mosque, for example; see how we’ve used light to highlight the mashrabiya and calligraphy to truly create a wow factor.

Integrate into the environment

Just as an architect will design a building to complement the surrounding city, a lighting designer will consider how the lighting works in the context of its surroundings. What impact do we need to make on the people, nature, and wildlife that use the space? Perhaps, like our lighting scheme for Sharjah Safari, the role of the lighting is in fact to minimise the impact on the environment and support the natural rhythm of the animals and plants that live there. Lighting design must integrate seamlessly to support cultural reference points and enrich the landscape.

Glare control

Good lighting design always supports and enriches the user experience, and eye comfort is crucial. If the glare from lighting is not properly controlled, it can lead to eyestrain and discomfort – not to mention the health and safety risk of poorly-lit stairways, entrances, and exits. Always consider the angle of lighting fixtures and make sure there is no direct exposure of light to people’s eyes.

Positioning of the lights

This will very much depend on the style and functionality of each unique space – but it’s safe to say, positioning is everything! Architecture can spring to life with the concealment of lighting features and design. Stunning schemes are created when lighting is cleverly integrated with the original building. And getting the installation and position right will support ongoing maintenance and the health and safety of those living in and using the space.

Excited about these elements of lighting?

We would love to talk to you about our unique brand of lighting design, and how we can dramatically enhance your lighting design project.

Contact us today:
enquire@lightfunc.org
Tanzania
+255 784 601612
UAE
+971 4 548 6144
UK
+44 7588 573 791

We give the low-down on the world of architectural lighting design.

Ask any discerning lighting designer what they do – and they’ll probably answer, “what don’t we do?!” It’s the same here at Light.Func. Because creative vision is just the starting point.

Many factors come into the mix, from the original concept to the completion of a project; for architectural lighting design, the lighting designer must be part artist, part technician. And the best lighting designers understand the vital role of the human response to light in any given space. Ever tried having a romantic meal under striplights? Perfect lighting is a deal-breaker when it comes to creating an atmosphere.

A step further than interior design

Decorative lighting fixtures are intrinsic to an interior design scheme, but a professional lighting designer will bring technical knowledge and creative solutions to the project. An experienced architectural lighting designer will assess the space, use tried-and-tested techniques to add value with light and optimise the lighting controls.

Technical expertise

An architectural lighting designer offers expertise which goes beyond the design of lighting a room. Creating a technical plan to support the installation and recommending a suitable control solution will help your project run smoothly without needing to hire additional specialists.

Industry-led best practice

The lighting design industry is constantly evolving. Lighting control technology, equipment and techniques develop quickly, and it’s not easy to keep up with the progress. A professional lighting designer will make it their business to be informed creatively and technically to provide the best solutions. This means you gain the advantages of industry-leading knowledge, technical know-how, and the most effective techniques to support your project.

Maximise your budget

When it comes to cost savings, there’s a lot to be said about using expertise and the benefit of experience. An architectural lighting designer will work closely with you to help you establish a budget and provide the best lighting solution within that budget. They will specify lighting equipment and techniques to reduce installation costs, select lighting fixtures from trusted manufacturers, and help you maximise energy efficiency.

Well-being

Did you know the quality of light within a space can impact our physical and mental well-being? The right lighting can enhance mood, help us to sleep better, and make us more productive. And the wrong lighting can make it hard to concentrate, cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. This is crucial to consider in the design of any built environment, whether that is a commercial space, cultural event, or a new home. Hiring an architectural lighting designer will ensure that the lighting scheme will enhance well-being alongside the aesthetics and functional use of the space.

Impact

Immersive, experiential spaces need the right lighting to bring the space to life! And nobody understands light and how to use it, like an architectural lighting designer. They assess each unique scenario and use the most effective products and techniques to achieve the ambience, function, and style you’re looking for. Architectural lighting designers can create an impact that will make you appreciate light more than ever.

World-class lighting design from Light.Func

Since 2016, our lighting design team has designed and delivered lighting solutions for diverse projects spanning multiple industries; cultural lighting, residential lighting, retail lighting, and hotel lighting, are all well within our scope. Working out of the UK, Tanzania, and the UAE, our partner relationships and the astounding results we’ve created speak for themselves.

Looking for lighting design inspiration? Take a look at our recent projects for ideas on how we could put your project on the map.

In Celebration of the Year of the 50th, Our Founder & Design Director Sakina Dugawalla Moeller was interviewed by @Emarati by Khalijena Productions.

A program that presents the biographies of business owners in the UAE and inspires through their success. As a home-grown studio and the First Lighting Design Studio to be established by a woman in the UAE, hear our Founder’s story, her vision and what makes @Light.Func the award winning Lighting Design Consultancy it has become.

Awaken spaces with Light.

#lightfunc #uae #Emarati #Dubai #MyUAE #enterpreneurs #womeninbusiness #lighting #lightingdesign #inspiration #design #designer #architecture #interiordesign #interiordesigner

We are thrilled to have won Lighting Design of the Year at the Index Design Awards for our project ND 50 at the Index Design Awards 2022 in Dubai. The Index Design awards are the only design awards where judging is done blindly. With only an 8 week timeline from design to hand-over. A unique concept that is fitting for Emirati Royalty, you can read all about this project on here.

A wonderful collaboration with the People team and great execution on installation and supply by Creation Gulf Trading LLC

A massive congratulations to everyone else who won on the night.

We are thrilled to report that the SLS Hotel Dubai has been awarded as the 2021 Light Middle East’s Hospitality project of the year.

The SLS hotel and brand exudes style. An uncompromising approach to luxury, it embodies the SBE’s highest brand – creating a niche for hospitality. Lighting therefore enhances this feeling. Integrating within the interior fabric, light is always felt, seldom seen. When seen,
it is purposed to be so, creating an impact that is both aesthetic
and emotion.

Interior detailing is enhanced, architectural massing is underlined – spaces are created for patrons to revel in. Layered lighting strategies create a destination that is synonymous with glamour.

A sustainable approach to lighting is created, by the use of higher efficacy luminaires putting light where it is needed. The experience of lighting is created through careful scenes, where each light can be controlled individually – costly? Not at all, in fact, the more we invested in controls the more savings were made – imagine the most glamorous hotel paving the way in reducing the carbon footprint.

Initial Interior Design goals are met with a perfect balance of light, and shadow. Afterall, great lighting design is knowing what not to light.

As a lighting designer, hospitality lighting design is quite a challenge. There are several elements to be taken into account, but the most important is Guest Experience which of course leads to the elevation of the brand.

We are so proud to look back on this project, a milestone for Light.Func, achieving design from concept to construction documentation for the public areas in just 4 months.

Human – Centric Lighting (HCL) is becoming an increasingly important concept as a solution that supports workforce health and wellbeing to raise the level of productivity. While coronavirus-triggered lockdowns have emptied office buildings around the world, it has not stopped work, and as many companies begin to shift towards increased remote working models for their employees, a new market is emerging for HCL in the growing home workplace market.

HCL incorporates relatively recent scientific discoveries that link particular wavelengths of light to specific biological responses in humans and recognizes that human biology is linked to daily rhythms of sunlight through receptors in the eye and the circadian system.

As lighting designers we have been implementing HCL in both residential and commercial projects more and more – we truly believe that by replicating natural daylight in the workplace, we can help achieve proven results in productivity.

Through different types of LED’s, it’s always been possible for us to deliver lighting concepts that provide a variety in intensity and colour spectrum to emulate the path of sunlight through the day, therefore providing the light signals that set our body clocks, even when indoors for almost the entire day.

The rhythm of light.

At the beginning of the day the office lights mimic natural daylight, providing a useful energy boost. The light levels decrease until after lunch when we give another boost to help staff over the post-lunch energy dip.

This kind of time-controlled lighting system features a ‘circadian-friendly’ lighting sequence, which varies the colour, temperature and intensity during the course of the day. Employees are stimulated during the morning and early afternoon with high illuminance levels and cool indirect white light. At midday and late afternoon, the light levels fall and become warmer.

This means that instead of individuals adapting to static lighting inside office spaces we can begin to slowly adapt our indoor environments to our own circadian rhythm needs.

Lighting for Meetings

Almost no other area is used as diversely as meeting rooms, the spectrum ranging from high level customer meetings and multimedia presentations to creative get-togethers and brainstorming. Each situation demands different lighting conditions.

Intelligent lighting solutions enable light to be optimised according to aesthetic and functional factors, for example taking into account video conferencing lighting, group gatherings, and other audio/visual requirements.

A flexible lighting scheme with efficient control systems supports the various uses of the meeting room. Ceiling luminaires provide efficient background lighting and lighting for more demanding tasks.

Spotlighting and wall washers light up details or walls and create variation. An easy to operate control panel should contain various light settings to support activities such as e.g. note‐taking, presentations or conversations.

A good presentation light is needed to see the presenter’s face well. This light would need to be synchronized with screen‐based presentations or videos.

Reducing Eye Strain

Inadequate lighting in office space can prompt eye strain and irritation as well as headaches. With the right level of illumination, the number of errors and accidents ultimately decreases, and visual fatigue is reduced. We love to use a combination of floor lamps, overhead lighting with higher watt light bulbs and LED task lamps at each workspace to achieve this.

Beyond the Workplace

Human-centric lighting is making a special difference in settings where of healing and self-development or education. In hospital settings, HCL light systems are already promoting better sleep, which is key to patient recovery. In education, students are benefiting from the greater cognitive focus that the right lighting regime promotes.

As human-centric lighting becomes more common, lighting designers and interior designers will learn to use illumination as a way to complement the body’s natural functions. When this happens, we’ll see more innovation from suppliers, engineers, architects and the construction industry as a whole.