Hotel design: Lighting in hotels

Light is that what makes the forms visible, from the beginning of the world, light is connected with mysticism, goodness, knowledge. Symbolically, but also realistically, with the help of light, we unravel the world around us. At the time of the first man, only light came from the sun and celestial bodies, and later from fire, too. Today, there are countless different types of light sources available, but light and lighting still play an important role in the human understanding of things, and thus in the interior design, since the average person spends most of his time indoors.

In architecture, and in the interior of the hotels, regardless of artificial lighting, we should not ignore the importance and the role of natural light. It forms space and, in a special way, creates architecture. The outer appearance of a building is a game of light and shadow, of full and empty. In relation to the typology of the space, the designer sets up holes - windows, and the amount of daylight and the way of lighting depends on their position and relation with the interior geometry.

The relation of daylight and architecture is designed exclusively by an architect, but when we add artificial lighting to the context, we include electrical engineers as well as light-designers. Nowadays, technology provides many possibilities, both in aesthetic and functional sense, and in terms of controlling energy consumption and rationalizing lighting, as well.

For a pleasant atmosphere: warm shades

By the definition of light types, we distinguish ambient, directional and light as an accent.
An ambient light, diffused, serves to lighten the space in general. It is most often placed on the ceiling, so the light sources are evenly distributed. It should not create dramatic contrasts and shadows, and designers most often choose a light spectrum similar to the sunlight - warm white.

The directional light is concentrated and always comes from one source. It can be a special light that has a specific functional role, such as a reading lamp, a light that illuminates a desk behind the reception, or the one that lightens up a table in the restaurant. In addition, the directional light may also have a purely aesthetic application, like when it is directed to emphasize a particular object or scene, such as a light that illuminates a sculpture, photo, image, hotel logo, etc.

Light as an accent in space, too, can in itself be an attraction in the interior. Such examples are light sculptures, illumination lines of various intensities and colors, as well as lighting fixtures as sculptures. Frequently, in the interior of the hotel, especially in public areas such as halls and restaurants, we come across fantastic examples of chandeliers that are the main accent in the interior.

The other two types of bright, focused and light accent, according to the color spectrum and strength, can be very different, depending on the purpose and design of the interior. However, in rooms, restaurants and spa centers, interior designers usually choose warm shades of light. With such a choice, a pleasant atmosphere is created and the possibility of an error is reduced to a minimum.

Simple solutions are the best

With the right choice and installation of lighting, the space of the hotel can be enhanced and raised to a higher level. This specific element of the interior should not be taken for granted, but should be left to the experts. Interior designers with the help of light-designers, with different methods and tools, optimize interior lighting, and with professional 3D simulations and visualizations, the investor can know in advance how the light will look in his space and whether it suits him.

Simple lighting solutions, which will not exaggerate aggressively in the interior, usually are the best, especially in rooms and bathrooms. Certainly, some dramatic accent is allowed in halls and restaurants.

The flexibility and the possibility of using layered lighting are also significant. In this way, the space can be multifunctional, or easily adapted to different guest profiles. In the same space with strong light and the inclusion of all sources of light simultaneously, we achieve the impression of a public space, we influence alertness and concentration, while by reducing the illumination we increase the sense of intimacy. Proper installation of lighting should allow the possibility of lighting combination.

Also, one should think about the diversity and use of different types of lighting and light sources in other parts of the hotel. By position, not only by type, ceiling, table, wall and floor lighting can be combined. Light sources can be built-in or superstructured, hidden, or free-standing. In this way, despite some unified or ready-made models, the quality of interior design can be affected.

Recommendation: "eco friendly" lighting

One of the general rules for lighting design in the interior is to avoid the sources of illumination at the level of human eye or on the floor, with a beam focused on the eyesight, due to the possible danger of blindness and the user's unpleasant feeling.

With proper design and installation of lighting, it is also important to maintain it regularly, in order to avoid major failures in electrical installations or damage to the interior, but also to prevent unnecessary increase in energy consumption.

In all segments of design, installation, use and maintenance of lighting in hotels, ecological solutions should always be supported. Installing LED lighting, saving 80% of energy, will have a longer lifetime than standard, but will also have a better effect on the environment.

In rooms, toilets and auxiliary rooms of the hotel, it is recommended to use a light sensor that only switches on if necessary. The advanced smart building technology allows for control, and the establishment of a constant level of illumination in the premises, the sensors recognize how much additional light is needed and automatically switch on and off or dim the light sources.

The possibilities of the game of light and design are fantastic. The same objects under different lighting look unalike. And as the face in the eye of the observer can be rejuvenated by proper illumination, so the space in the hands of professionals can beautify, make it more interesting or pleasant.