Simple But Directed

Source: Contract, September 2010, pg. 50

The lighting used in this photo is amazingly simple…a series of canned and pendant lights. However, the effect of this lighting is magnificent. The beauty of this type of light is that it is minimal but directed. It creates a space that is more intriguing, some parts light and some parts dark. It allows for a more intimate connection, not necessarily because it is inviting and warm, but because of the contrast created and your instinctual draw to the object highlighted. This is a great type of light to use in a space that calls for a bit of drama, a touch of intimacy and the opportunity to walk a bit on the dark side. I would love to use this type of lighting in the lounge areas of my coffee shop.

Suspended Ceiling

Source: Interiors & Sources, September 2010, pg. 48

Source: Luxury Home Interior Ideas (http://luxury-ideas.com/page/10/)

This back lit suspended ceiling creates a dramatic effect. It emanates a compelling glow that draws your vision upward, making you feel like the ceiling truly is floating above you. It is a remarkable effect that will help draw attention to a ceiling that deserves such - an ornate or unusual ceiling treatment, potentially even an elevated or textural wall treatment as in these photos. It does tend to lower the scale of the room as you are much more aware of what is overhead. But, at the same time, it helps create a bit of warmth and intimacy in a space. This would be a fabulous effect for the lounge areas in my proposed coffee shop.

Highlighting an Element

Source: Architectural Lighting Sales, Inc. (www.archltginc.com/)

Lighting used to highlight an architectural element is an effective tool to use in any space. Many important decisions made by designers are overlooked by the users of the space. In the particular case pictured above, some would think - oh, it’s just a column. But the use of directed light allows the column to become more than a structural element. It becomes a sculpture, a rhythmic pattern to the space. The light allows the column’s materiality to be displayed and draws attention to the perimeter of the space - the contrast between inside an out, interior and exterior, habitable space and nature. I see the potential of this being used to highlight the railings on the second floor of my coffee shop.

Backlit Wall

Architectural Lighting Online - www.archlighting.com

I love the effect that is created by the use of lighting behind a wall or surface, whether that surface is frosted glass, 3Form, etc. For one, it allows you the flexibility to change color based on the intended use of the space, décor or mood. It also helps change the way the space feels…to me the space becomes much more sophisticated and interesting. As in the photos above, it can also highlight architectural features (the alcove), create sleek surface textures and even direct you through the space as your eyes follow the light. I think this type of lighting is even more successful in spaces of smaller scale as it allows you to become more engaged with the effect. I may use this treatment in the second floor gaming area of my coffee shop as well as behind the logo wall at the coffee shop’s entrance.

Clerestory Windows

Source: Architectural Lighting Associates - ALA, Inc. Online Gallery  (ala-inc.net)

In my coffee shop design, the main coffee bar and table seating are housed in an open, two-story space. My initial though was to utilize one large window, almost the size of one of the walls, to add daylight into the space. However, after viewing this photo, I much prefer the effect of the clerestory windows. For one, the clerestory windows allow daylight into the space without the risk of an overabundance of light and glare. It also increases the scale of the room which I believe adds a bit of drama and capaciousness to the space while still allowing you to connect on a more intimate level with the objects that directly surround you. I also enjoy the effect of that the three chandeliers have on the large space. I feel that using three smaller lumieres helps make the room’s intended grand scale more manageable and also helps diffuse light more evenly.