The need to create increasingly original and creative spaces has highlighted the importance of light in architecture. Thanks to this element, it is possible to highlight architectural and design details and even completely transform a space. More and more studios and architects are highlighting the importance of light in architecture and are turning this element into an essential part of their projects.
Cable Energía by Grupo Shell | Luminaire KOMBO
Natural light has always been a fundamental element for playing with architectural designs and creating specific sensations, but new technologies have also allowed artificial light to develop in recent years to become a key element and an option with many more possibilities.
The importance of light in architecture and its uses require a detailed planning process to obtain the best results in each project.
The importance of light in architecture: uses of light
The importance of light in architecture lies mainly in the possibility of highlighting shapes, modeling objects and, in general, highlighting certain points of a space, and this is where artificial lighting becomes the protagonist.
One of the great benefits of this lighting is the possibility to manipulate it, to achieve different effects and to place it in strategic points where natural light would never reach, to create shapes and spaces that were impossible before.
Estudio Arquitalia | Luminaire MINE
The importance of light in architecture can be seen from the three uses that can be made of it: aesthetic, functional and efficient.
The aesthetic use of light
Is the most exploited by architectural and interior design studios, where playing with this element makes it possible to achieve effects and sensations that greatly influence people.
The functional use
Is the most primitive, which is limited to using light as a necessary tool to be able to see in the dark, distinguish objects, etc. The functional use of light is also key even when the aesthetic result is paramount, although in architecture it is not always necessary to illuminate (in the most basic sense), but rather to highlight and create original effects.
The efficient use of light
Has more to do with the energy used for it. In this sense, it is a matter of using lighting in such a way that it can be used to the maximum without using more than necessary.
Precisely because of the need for more efficient use of light, LED lighting has become the only type of light source used in architecture and interior design. Nowadays it is unthinkable to work with light sources such as halogen, fluorescent or energy-saving lamps.
The Importance of Light in Architecture: Planning in the Design Process
The importance of light in architecture and in the entire design process of any building or space is crucial. Light has the power to modify the visual and spatial perception of any place, and architectural firms must not only take it into account when planning any project, but must also carefully design its layout, the type of lighting that will be present, the colors, shapes and textures that will stand out, and ultimately, the feeling that it will transmit when integrated into a given architectural work.
The light in a hotel lobby is not the same as in an office. In the same way that the architecture and function of a space changes, so does the light, so it must be planned in detail and must accompany at all times to the architectural design carried out by any study.
Horizonte by BMK | Illuminazione COSTAS
Foodoo by Trescincouno | Illuminazione SAIGON
In short, the importance of light in architecture is undoubtedly a key factor to achieve a space where shapes and colors stand out and create a visual image of coherence between all architectural elements. Including it in the design process of any architectural work is already a must for all those who want to achieve impressive, functional, and aesthetically brilliant works.
At Faro, we have years of experience in lighting, and we know the importance of light in architecture. That's why we work closely with each client from the first sketches of space to its final construction. Do you want an impeccable result? Trust it to experts.
