MT Booklet VT23

MSc Architectural Lighting Design

Thesis Booklet 2022-2023

Grattis!

The Lighting Design division is delighted to congratulate the master’s graduates who presented their master’s theses in spring 2023 at KTH School of Architecture. The individual thesis project, 15 ECTS, concludes the one year programme in Architectural Lighting Design, 60 ECTS.

The students answered a specific research question in the lighting design field in an academic format. The questions expressed today’s relevant topics: the role of AI and digital tools in lighting design practice; temporal and spatial perception; biophilia and integrative lighting; light in dark environments; retail lighting; light cultures; luminaire design; inspiration from light art. Many theses developed inspiring conceptual lighting design proposal for public spaces, indoor and outdoor. The thesis projects methods spanned from laboratory and virtual experiments to literature reviews. Each thesis needed to address at least one of the 17 goals promoted by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Most theses included an investigatory approach into the design process, either in the question formulation or in the design of the conceptual proposals. This suggests the students’ need to experiment and integrate an evidence-based approach into the designers’ toolkit.

The individual process ran parallel to a series of two group seminars organised by the ALD programme. The students were also offered facultative support from the Center of Academic Writing at KTH. We want to acknowledge who reached out with questions to the students, especially Sara Lind and her colleagues at KTH Library; all the tutors who offered their knowledge and experience; and the external critics (Tatiana Bibikova, Yael Erel, Carolin Fischer and Ted Krueger) who enriched the discussion during the final presentation.

Congratulations to the new Masters in Architectural Lighting Design!

Federico Favero (Course Responsible) ffavero@kth.se

Ute Besenecker (Examiner) uteb@kth.se

Stavroula Angelaki (Teacher)

Foteini Kyriakidou (Teacher)

Rodrigo Muro (Programme Director)

Gerhard Rehm (Teacher)

Hamidreza Eizadi (Teacher)

Katja Teinilä

Daylighting homes

Carolina Borgia Stagnaro

Antrea Ioannou

Optimizing Daylight Utilization in Nordic Homes: Enhancing Energy Efficiency, Well-being, and User Satisfaction through Design

Author: Katja Teinilä

Tutors: : Foteini Kyriakidou

Abstract:

This thesis examines daylight utilization in Nordic home environments without artificial lighting. One of the aims is to save energy and create healthy living spaces that fully harness daylight benefits. The research question focuses on how to effectively use daylight as the sole illumination source for functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing homes. Existing guidelines overlook the importance of daylight in homes and fail to consider human preferences, resulting in a research gap. To address this, this thesis conducts an analysis of three existing buildings and presents a design project that specifically focuses on building orientation, openings, and materials. Daylight calculations are conducted based on the proposed design. The key findings emphasize that a home without artificial light can be easily achieved during the summer months through strategic room placement, incorporation of skylight windows, and utilization of various window types. Material selection is crucial in creating a comfortable atmosphere while maximizing daylight transmission for optimal lighting.

These findings highlight the importance of considering unique daylight conditions in Nordic countries and aligning designs with individual preferences. The study contributes by emphasizing the need for optimal daylight solutions that enhance energy efficiency, well-being, and user satisfaction in home environments.

Keywords: Daylight, energy efficiency, nordic architecture, well-being

Figure 1: Visualization of the design solutions for the dining area and living room.

Figures 2: Visualization of the design solutions for the bedroom.

Figures 3: Visualization of the design solutions for the home office.

Exploring

daylight in two different latitudes

Sweden and Uruguay: A comparative study of daylight as s formgiver and its impact on visual comfort

Author: Carolina Borgia

Tutors: Rodrigo E. Muro Avendano, Luke Lowings

Abstract:

Daylight is an essential element for both, the built and natural environment. A careful design that acknowledges daylight performance can improve energy efficiency and environment protection, thus making construction more sustainable.

However, allocating time to deeply evaluate all the aspects in a project might be challenging. In this framework, the aim is to analyze, through a specific designed case study, the different available options when it comes to manage daylight as a building material.

Climate adaptation as a base for an architectural projects is essential to achieve a regenerative evolution of the built environment. It should be holistically considered from the very outset, to conclude in a livable, sustainable and quality-designed space.

The aim of the present research was to explore daylight in order to use it as input at the very early stage of an architectural project. Analyzing two different latitudes, Uruguay and Sweden, provided with a wide range of information, evidencing that assessing daylight is as complex as crucial.

Hence, the combination of academic methods with practical design is key to design the built environment. By using an experimental cabin as case study, and with the support of the program Climate Studio, daylight is analysed in these two different locations.

Keywords: Daylight, Climate adaptation, Regenarative, Sustainable.

Figure 1: Methodology scheme.

Figure 2: Design based on climate conditions considering materials and orientation.

THE POWER OF DAYLIGHT

Daylight influencing emotions and spatial perception of indoor space

Author: Antrea Ioannou

Tutor: Martina Frattura

Abstract:

The present thesis derived from a personal need to explore how daylight can shape the emotional state of users and consequently their indoor experience. As a lighting design student I appreciated even more the power that light and shadows have upon indoor experiences. To investigate this further, an experiment with five panels was conducted. Moreover, since daylight conditions vary according to the latitude, the spaces were simulated in Sweden and Cyprus and subjects from both locations participated in the experiment.

The results suggest that daylight distributed in horizontal, vertical and squared shapes evokes mainly pleasant or activating emotions. Circular shapes provoke pleasant feelings and the organic: unpleasant and deactivating. The outcome indicates that emotions, perception of light levels, light distribution and shadows can alter considerably among individuals from different latitudes. Participants from northern latitude perceived the space darker than those from southeastern latitude. Additionally, when the subjects felt happy in a space they perceived it brighter than other spaces. The analysis suggests a link between memories, familiarity and emotions. Lastly, the importance of considering preferences of different groups of users is emphasized.

Keywords: Daylight, Shadows, Spatial Perception, Emotions, Memories.

Figure 1: The five panels creating daylight patterns on the floor.

Figure 2: Subjects’ emotion when spaces are imagined and when experienced.

AI, drones and culture

Ishita Madan

Anuhas Emmanuel Jayakody

Suma Mathew

Sustainable Heritage lighting design with modern technology

Author: Suma Mathew

Abstract:

The research aims to examine how the aesthetic appeal and emotional impact of artworks are enhanced by lighting design, specifically in cultural heritage sites such as Jatayu Para. Lighting techniques and design strategies are analyzed to provide insights into effective lighting practices amidst an energy and climate crisis. Special attention is given to sustainable lighting practices that aim to minimize energy consumption while maximizing visual impact. By employing thoughtful lighting design, the structures are transformed into custodians of the past, with stories being narrated and legacies being honored. The proposed lighting design at Jatayu Earth Center (JEC) aligns with sustainable development goals, promoting sustainable tourism, job opportunities, and local culture. The need for affordable, reliable, and modern energy access is addressed through the combination of drone technology and solar-chargeable batteries. Through this research, a contribution is made to the discourse on sustainable approaches to illuminating heritage architecture, exploring the intersection of art, heritage, and responsible energy practices. The successful implementation and marketing of the lighting design at JEC can have a significant impact on the Indian tourism industry, serving as inspiration for similar eco-tourism projects in the region and stimulating the local economy.

Keywords: Drone lighting, Sculpture lighting, Renewable Energy, Light pollution, Light and Shadow.

Tutors: Stavroula Angelaki, Abhiram R

Figure 1: Jatayu Earth Centre (JEC) Image from https://www.keralatourism.org/ destination/jatayupara-chadayamangalam/262

Figures 2,3: Proposed Concept-Front view & Aerial view visualization through software rendering. Illustration by Author

Daniel Riley, Tassos Fytros (Drone Technicians)

LIGHT CULTIVATES CULTURE, AND CULTURE CULTIVATES LIGHT

A comparative study to investigate how lighting can shape our per-

of ritualistic spaces in a residential setting, across Swedish and Indian cultural groups.

Author: Ishita Madan

Tutor: Foteini Kyriakidoy

Abstract:

As lighting designers, we are aware of the importance of light in constructing dynamic, interesting spaces that enhance the human experience. But light is more than simply a physical component; it also has a rich cultural meaning that affects how we perceive and comprehend the world. This study aims to compare and investigate how the lighting setting of two distinct cultural groups, Indian and Swedish, influence the way people perceive a living room in a residential space when it is used for Diwali and Christmas purposes. It also tries to ascertain whether cultural backgrounds influence the preferences & perception for light in various settings. A qualitative analysis was conducted using three methods in order to compare & learn about lighting cultures in two different cities, Stockholm and New Delhi. As well as to comprehend user perception in two lighting settings, Christmas and Diwali, and to determine whether these perception and preferences are related to the cultural background, habits, or history. The results obtained supported one another and contributed to the research and made a serious effort to understand how different lighting preferences vary among cultures. There were intriguing findings throughout the objectives aimed, illustrating how similar yet different the two lighting cultures are.

Keywords: Culture, Light, Perception, Mood.

ceptions

Figure 1: Relationship between light and culture.

Figure 2: ‘Diya’ the main source of symbolism of illumination of Diwali.

Figure 3: ‘Advent candle’, the focal point of Christmas celebration.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and its Capabilities in the Process of Conceptualizing a Lighting Design

Author: Anuhas Jayakody

Tutor: Ken Appleman

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been developing rapidly and is currently being used in many industries, including design and architecture. Lighting design is one of these industries where AI can be a valuable tool for developing concepts and designs. This study focuses on the available AI platforms that can be used for the conceptualization of lighting designs and explores the role that AI can play in the design process of a lighting designer. To evaluate this, ChatGPT was trained to provide image generation prompts which can be used in Midjourney to achieve lighting design concepts as an image. This image was then evaluated and modelled in 3D using DIALux to achieve quantitative parameters, such as illuminance levels, uniformity, unified glare ratings, and other standards mentioned in the EN 12464-1:2021. In conclusion, although the AI-generated design may appear traditional and outdated, the study highlights that AI can be a valuable tool for conceptualizing lighting designs and can serve as a source of inspiration for designers. However, it is important to note that significant groundwork is still required from the designer. The research further investigates the various capabilities and limitations of AI in the context of lighting design, aiming to identify its true potential in the field.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Lighting, Lighting Concepts and Designs, Midjourney, ChatGPT

Figure 1: Image generated by Midjourney using the prompt provided by ChatGPT.

Figure 2: Results when testing how AI imagines various light effects.

Figure 3: Lecture Room by AI - Futuristic Setting (top) & Style of Zaha Hadid (bottom).

Mahima Prashant Naik

Luminaire design

Athanasios Skouros

Revati Bheemarao Limbavali

EVOLVING LIGHT

Customization Of Sustainable Luminaire For Emotional Attachment And Longevity.

Author: Mahima Naik

Tutor: Gerhard Rehm

Abstract:

The purpose of this master’s thesis is to broaden the horizon of customizable features available in the luminaire design industry. The aim was to study if enhanced customization features like light distribution, colour of light and use of sustainable materials can help foster emotional attachment and increased usage with the possibility of extending luminaire life. The conclusion here is drawn based on literature review, survey, prototype development and user experiment followed by assessment questionnaire. The table lamp prototype created allowed participants to change colour of light, materials and light distribution of the luminaire according to their mood and preferences. The study indicates these enhanced customization features positively influenced the participants mood, ambience and usage of the product. The survey and user assessment were both qualitative and quantitative in nature. However, all the data collected was quantified for a better understanding of the impact these enhanced features had on the participants. The participants felt a sense of ownership, satisfaction, and accomplishment because of the customization process. As a result, participants said they would prefer repair and replacement over disposal of the luminaire. The study concluded that enhanced customization features in luminaires can foster emotional connections, increase longevity, and promote sustainable consumption.

Keywords: Luminaire design, Product Customization, Light Distribution, Emotional Attachment, Sustainable Materials

Figure 1: Usability and Intended Light effect of the prototype design.

Figure 2: Combinations created by participants out of the 250+ effects possible.

One Light to fit them all Rethinking Luminaire Design

Reusability - Re•adjustability

Author: Athanasios Skouros

Tutor: Gerhald Rehm

Abstract:

A luminaire’s primary purpose is to provide visibility into a space, but also to serve as an aesthetic object for it. When switched off, luminaires maintain their presence as forms and when switched on they transform places by creating or vanishing different shadows. For years luminaire designers are trying to tame the light emitted from the light bulb, an archetypal component of a great literal and metaphorical significance for the human history. The era of LED’s sets no limits of light source forms, intensity, color temperature, lighting color or color rendering index. Space is now the primal factor and the luminaire forms and adjusts around it. By examining the connection between luminaires and space, functionalism and how great designers approached the topic, a luminaire design tool will be explored connecting past, present and possible future technology advancement. With the above tool, a prototype model will be created with the intention to experiment with adjustability and adaptability into space. The main goal will be the research of a primal form for the design tool that serves as a multipurpose solution while retaining high quality levels. Well-being and creativity as well as responsible consumption and production are connected with the design process.

Keywords: Design tool, Functionalism, Geometry, Adjustability, Adaptability.

Figure 1: Design tool form exploration concept.

Figure 2: : Exploring different adjustable geometrical forms around the spherical design tool.

A Soft Focus

Author: Revati Bheemarao Limbavali

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the incorporation of user survey data, Zen aesthetic principles, and visual perception in lighting design. Visual perception is impacted by important aspects, especially vertical illumination, it is addressed here in terms of luminaire height. The design makes use of classic materials while adhering to Koko and Kanso’s ideas of simplicity and utility.

The luminaire’s design incorporates soft illumination and flexibility for different desk arrangements in student rooms based on survey data. The design prioritizes glare reduction in form of shielding the light source and offers ambient lighting for screen-contrast, coinciding with research on digital eye strain, taking into account the widespread vertical illuminance from displays and the related eye strain.

User habits relating to time and screen usage provide significant data, defining vertical illuminance concerns and the incorporation of an adjustable subbody for controlled light distribution. The challenge is to reconcile simplicity with Austere Sublimity while including user demands such as flexibility, glare reduction, and diffused lighting. Natural materials such as wood and paper improve the intrinsic qualities and aging process of the luminaire while also remaining sustainable.

The result is a luminaire that successfully combines visual perception, Zen Aesthetic principles, and user requirements.

Keywords: Study Luminaire, Design, Zen Aesthetics.

Tutor: Diana Joels

Figure 1: Luminaire without the Covering

Figure 2: Luminaire with the covering Figure 3: Washi paper texture and the soft glow

Lighting the dark

David Santiago Pulla Alvarado

Joseph Hutt

Rikard Hultman

Implicit communication through light in public spaces.

Author: David Santiago Pulla Alvarado

Tutor: Chiara Carucci

Abstract:

The intention is to develop a better understanding of what message in the form of atmosphere are people receiving from the light solutions of open public spaces and what characteristics contribute to build this perception. The method consists of two main stages. For the first stage a methodology to critically observe lighting solutions is developed. The methodology is based on the combination of past studies from Anders Liljefors and Carolina Hiller. The second stage comprehends an analysis of the lighting solutions of three case studies in Stockholm province area. Using a questionnaire, general public is asked to observe the lighting in specific areas of each case study to do a further categorization into atmospheres.

The premise is that by understanding the characteristics, that contribute to the perception of specific atmospheres, the lighting designer can conceive a project efficiently: by strengthening the relation between the project’s intention and the final user’s perception.

Keywords: Light, Perception, Communication, Atmospheres, Public spaces.

Figure 1: Methodology diagram

Figure 2: Case studies: Kungsträdgården, Brunkebergstorg and Norrtälje Hamn

Figure 3: Norrtälje Hamn sitting component analysis, example

Sustainable Lighting Strategies for Nytorps Gärde, A Case Study

Abstract:

This paper focuses on exterior lighting strategies for Nytorps Gärde, a suburban green area in Stockholm, serving as a case study. The research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review, a survey, quantitative measurements, and expert interviews. The study highlights the importance of creating sustainable urban spaces and addresses the inherent challenge of balancing the needs of both people and the ecosystem. A site specific design intervention is proposed for the space, presenting a lighting solution for a footpath that simultaneously minimises feelings of threat whilst simultaneously having a minimal light pollution footprint Furthermore, the discussion emphasises the significance of implementing lighting controls and explores the influence of light quality and topography on perceived safety. The primary objective of this thesis is to provide strategic guidance for lighting design in the proposed development, with a particular emphasis on incorporating the perspectives of women and girls in shaping the nocturnal environment.

Keywords: Perceived safety, darkness, sustainability, light pollution, lighting strategy

Author: Joe Hutt

Tutor: Yousef Tavakoli

Figure 1: Unlit path on Eastern edge of Nytorps Gärde.

Figure 2: Unlit path on South Eastern edge of Nytorps Gärde.

Playgrounds in a New Light: An Exploration of Sustainable Lighting Design for Children’s Outdoor Play Spaces - A case study at Ringmuren preschool

Abstract:

Two phenomena form the basis for this thesis; bad lighting for children and our connection to nature. The former has somehow largely stayed unchanged through the years, the second one is rapidly changing for the worse. Lighting in spaces designed for children in Sweden often seem like an afterthought focusing on the quantitative aspects, ignoring the qualitative; following standards but often forgetting who the space is meant for. At the same time, cities are becoming denser, making nature something many people actively have to seek out to experience - children’s definition of nature is slowly changing.

How can outdoor lighting for children become better? Using the Ringmuren preschool in Uppsala, Sweden, as a case study, this thesis proposes an alternative way of thinking when designing light for children and how it can encourage a connection to nature. The design proposal was made using interviews, site analysis, research and experiments inside a digital twin custom made for RIngmuren preschool.

The direct result of this project is a digital twin and a lighting concept, but it also argues that the practicalities of analysing and designing lighting is one thing; getting the people in power to understand why good lighting is important is the first, and largest, hurdle. Producing good, affordable examples of good lighting design that can be applied to varying situations is a good place to start to at the least initiate a discussion.

Keywords: Preschool children, lighting design, digital twin, sustainability attitudes, sustainability consciousness, nature connectedness.

Figure 1: A rat’s view of the “stage” at Ringmuren preschool

Author: Rikard Hultman

Tutor: Stavroula Angelaki

Figure 2: The playground at Ringmuren preschool in a new light

Retail lighting design

Emina Cekic Suljic Fatemeh Samareh Hashemi Shajareh

Janani Narayanan

Pop-up retail, Impact of lighting on brand communication

Name of

Author: Emina Cekic Suljic

Tutor: Thomas Schielke

Abstract:

This master thesis study explored the impact of light on brand image. The investigation of pop-up retail showed that color and light are important design elements that enhance the pop-up retail experience by creating an appealing atmosphere for consumers and branding the store identity. The study relates to Richard Kelly’s three elements of visual design and employs them in creating different light scenes in a digital model of a retail space for evaluation regarding brand image. The main research focus was on color light and decorative light employed as Kelly’s play of brilliants, namely light as information and tool for visual communication. The study of the impact of light on brand image provided data for recommendations for achieving a specific brand image. The need for a customizable lighting design in the concept of pop-up retail was recognized and solutions for pop-up retail spaces were es¬tablished.

Keywords: impacts of light, play of brilliants, visual communication, marketing

Figure 1: Light scene with accent and color lighting

Figure 2: Light scene with accent, color and decorative linear lighting

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction through Lighting Design

Proposing Lighting Solutions for a Restaurant Brand

Author: Fatemeh Samareh

Tutor: Foteini Kyriakidou

Abstract:

The concept of visiting a restaurant is no longer related to food consumption. The total process of visiting a restaurant became a pleasant experience to elevate mood and satisfaction and create a memorable experience. In this thesis, we aim to case study three restaurants of the same brand using quantitative and qualitative measurements such as questionnaire, V/P theory, and measurements. Moreover, the results of the assessments will be used to investigate how lighting can improve the dining experience in the restaurant while taking into consideration reducing energy consumption. The results of the quantitative and qualitative analysis indicated the lighting in each of these restaurants differs from each other, and they require a redesign to enhance customer satisfaction and to be more energy efficient. The thesis presented a lighting solution which considers all the relevant factors for customer satisfaction from literature and standards. The solution can improve the customer experience in the restaurant and advance its compliance with the sustainability goals.

Keywords: Cozy, welcoming, customer satisfaction, social interaction, privacy

Figure 1: 1.General lighting. cove lights. LED strips. 4000K.

Figure 2: Focal lighting on tables and salad bar. Pendant lamp.3000K.

Figure 3: Focal, general and decorative lighting.

Exploring the potential of perceptual light art to enhance experiencial retail environments

Author: Janani Narayanan

Tutor: Amardeep M. Dugar

Abstract:

The integration of perceptual light art in retail settings has gained traction for enhancing the experiential value for customers. This study focuses on James Turrell’s installations and their potential to create experiential retail environments. Prior research has predominantly explored subjective perceptions, neglecting quantitative dimensions and using perceptual art to enhance experiential value in retail spaces.

This study aims to investigate the benefits of integrating art in retail environments, with a specific emphasis on Turrell’s perceptual artworks. A case study was conducted at “Outside Insight,” a skyspace created by Turrell in Stockholm. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examined the lighting qualities of Skyspace and its potential for creating an immersive retail environment.

The findings indicate that strategic use of color transitions, illumination, and correlated color temperature variations can capture attention, enhance visual stimulation, and evoke energy and excitement. Moments of color stability promote comfort, relaxation, and deeper engagement with displayed items. These insights have practical applications for designing immersive retail environments, particularly in the beauty, cosmetics, and home decor sectors. This research contributes to understanding how perceptual light art enhances experiential value in retail, ultimately enabling retailers to design engaging environments aligned with product offerings.

Keywords: Experiential retail environment, Immersive experience, Perceptual light art, Skyspace.

Figure 1: Image from field survey at Outside Insight skyspace. Photo by Janani Narayanan

Figure 2: Plan(left) and horizontal section(right) of Outside Insight Skyspace. Illustration by Janani Narayanan

Figure 3: The illuminance and CCT were measured at points A and B respectively (fig 2) during the Outside Insight Sky space’s light sequence. Illustration by Janani Narayanan

Figure 4: Oculus picture captured during various light sequence moments outside Insight Skyspace. Photos by Janani Narayanan

Peder Dale Midttømme

Perceptual explorations

Jing Wu

Maria Eleni Zapounidi

EXPANSIVE LIGHTING

Abstract:

The composition of visual landscapes significantly impacts the utilization of eye features, consequently reflected in perception. As an outstanding species, human perception holds profound planetary consequences, directly influencing experience and behavior. This paper investigated why humans have become specialized in the certain type of visual attention, referred to as fovea vision. Furthermore, it explores peripheral vision and how these two modes are stimulated by lighting. It is commonly known that we receive and process visual information very differently in fovea and peripheral vision, which suggests a difference in time perception. To quantify the seemingly unquantifiable, the sense of chronological time was used to investigate the experiential variances resulting from fovea and peripheral light stimuli. There was conducted an experiment, designed based on research, where the participants were asked about sense of time, after fovea and peripheral stimuli. Despite time and resource limitations, there was found that sense of time increases with peripheral stimuli. Additionally, that peripheral-time is influenced by what came before, while fovea-time remains consistent. This paper highlights the importance of considering the outer limits beyond the fovea, and suggests that doing so, can bring us closer to our surroundings through embodiment and spatial engagement.

Keywords: peripheral, fovea, time, perception, vision

Author: Peder Dale Midttømme

Tutor: Colin Ball

Figure 1: The aimed sharpness of the fovea, surrounded by the disordered spatiality of the peripheral.

Figure 2: Contracted visual field from fovea presented information.

Figure 3: Expansive visual field from increased complexity outwards.

The impact of combining lighting and natural sounds on mood and productivity

Author: Jing Wu

Tutor: Yang Guan

Abstract:

With the intensification of contemporary urbanization, an increasing number of people are living and working in high-density urban environments. The importance of a good indoor environment for human psychology and health is increasingly evident, so researchers are paying more attention to the impact of indoor environments on human health and well-being. This article first extensively searches and organizes theories related to lighting, natural sounds, and indoor environments. Based on this, a mixed method combining qualitative and quantitative research is used to investigate the effects of combining lighting and natural sounds on emotions and productivity. This study intends to provide a scientific basis for the future design of more restorative indoor environments. Finally, the data analysis of the experimental results shows that the environment combined with cool light and natural sound is more helpful in improving people’s well-being, restoring people’s emotions, and improving people’s attention and work efficiency.

Keywords: Light, indoor, natural sounds, restorative environment.

Figure 1: Sketch,sound and light are the two variables of the experiment.

Figure 2: The section of the room, showing the experimental environment.

Visual Rhythm in light design. How light patterns create atmosphere in a museum

Author: Maria Eleni Zapounidi

Tutor: Christina Kamma

Abstract:

Studies indicate that incorporating light rhythms have the potential to generate an atmosphere of curiosity to further explore a space. In lighting design, we can describe rhythm as the ‘flow of light’ as the repetition of shadow, shading and highlight patterns of an illuminated three-dimensional surface that we experience in space when we walk through it. To further investigate this topic, a survey was conducted in a computer-generated museum setting to examine how rhythmical light scenarios of both artificial and natural light can create dynamic atmospheres so that they influence the spatial exploration. For this purpose, scenarios of two categories were made by relative darkness in order to create “mystery” and brightness for ‘focal glow’. Each scenario included the incorporation of daylight conditions, encompassing both morning and evening settings. The experiment revealed a preference for the “mystery” scenarios and the evening conditions of both “mystery” and the “focal glow” scenarios. Nonetheless, it is advisable to conduct similar experiments in real-life settings to attain more substantial results and minimize potential survey bias.

Keywords: light rhythm, atmosphere, spatial exploration, museum setting, daylight.

Figure 1: Focal glow scenario at 12:00, 2023-02-14

Figure 2: Focal glow scenario at 16:30, 2023-02-14

Figure 3: Mystery scenario at 12:00, 202302-14

Figure 4: Mystery scenario at 16:30, 202302-14

Diana Andrea Niño Bogoya

Lighting KTH Library

Evdoxia Iro Gkolompia

Elena Mokeeva Hansson

The white Canvas. A lighting proposal for the KTH library hall

Abstract:

Consolidating a library within the old patio of a building that for more than 100 years has undergone constant transformation is a challenge. Putting a roof over an area that was clearly defined to be open and under it a large library is a great opportunity. Due to its large area, a discussion was opened about implementing light on the surface of the ceiling, in a subtle and abstract way, aligned with the environmental parameters of the city(Fig 1) The white ceiling that appears to be suspended but is supported by large windows then became a White canvas for a play of lights brought on by daylight during the day and electric light for the long hours of darkness. Through qualitative and quantitative methods such as meetings, observations and surveys, the perception of the users was evaluated, and after tests( Fig 2)., models and digital analysis, an intervention was defined on one of its facades that allows that ceiling to be reconnected with the natural and especially with the light. Exploring with elements such as the use of color or the management of reflections results in simple elements that can also be implemented from the architectural design, as support for lighting design.

Keywords: Daylight, Electric lighting, reflections, nature

Figure 1: Image board

Figure 2: Testing

Author: Diana Andrea Niño Bogoya

Tutor: Yael Erel

Uniform vs. uneven lighting: Accommodation of multiple users’ preferences in study rooms

Author: Evdoxia Iro Gkolompia

Abstract:

Uniform lighting in public spaces like study rooms in libraries, is still a common practice. However, uniformly lit spaces cannot support simultaneously the needs of multiple users and can create dull environments. The task of this thesis is to analyze users’ behavior under different lighting conditions in study rooms and investigate whether alternative lighting designs, which step away from uniformity, could be more beneficial than uniform lighting, from a human performance and well-being perspective. A uniformly lit study room in the library of KTH was chosen as the main case study of this investigation and was thoroughly analyzed and evaluated through qualitative and quantitative research. Under the initial hypothesis that the lighting in this study room does not support the needs of its users and does not create an inspiring and comfortable environment, three more study rooms, in three different swedish libraries, were comparatively analyzed through observations, interviews and questionnaires, so as to better understand individual users’ needs and lighting preferences in study rooms. The research showed that there are various types of users that have different personal preferences concerning lighting, in order to feel comfortable and alert. A new conceptual lighting proposal is presented for the study room in KTH library, that follows an uneven lighting approach and uses different zones of lighting that can accommodate individual needs and affect the feeling of comfort, the alertness and finally the well-being of multiple types of users.

Keywords: individual needs, light zones, contrast, visual comfort, lighting in libraries.

Figure 1: Existing light distribution in the study room of KTH library.

Figure 2: New proposal and new light distribution for the study room.

Tutor: Jörg Frank Seeman

Light as a biophilic medium: Workspaces with no view to nature

Author: Elena Mokeeva Hansson

Tutors: Isabel Villar

Abstract:

A substantial part of our lives is spent in offices where lighting is affecting our well-being and health, even if we are not aware of that. Offices are most commonly illuminated by high intensity ceiling lights or suspended linear luminaries which emit uniform light over our heads and cause glare. In this thesis, I question this practice from perspectives of visual ergonomics and well-being and suggest a biophilic approach to lighting. Biophilic design strategies can guide us in a direction of creating comfortable visual environment and improving our well-being along with boosting work performance and creativity. This thesis explores ways to incorporate biophilic lighting design into workspaces that lack views to nature on a case study of an open office in Stockholm, Sweden. Results of this study support the existing knowledge that downlights cause glare and should not be used above desks where people sit for prolonged period of time. I propose conceptual design solutions for indirect ambient lighting and indirect task lighting which are glare free and tuneable in terms of light intensity and correlated colour temperature. Other suggested biophilic lighting solutions include dappled light and water reflection effects, as well as interactive dynamic digital lighting depicting water movements.

Keywords: lighting design, office lighting, daylight, visual ergonomics, well-being.

Figure 1: Dappled light effect and indirect ambient lighting.

Figure 2: Water reflection effect . Figure 3: Indirect task lighting