Lanterns and wall sconces were also outfitted with curved metal reflectors, mirrors and crystal to maximize their candlepower. Lighting — even at its zenith for the times — was dim compared with the radical changes that evolved when electric power arrived. Practicality, however, most often overpowered artistic innovation and “frivolous” additions just for beauty for its own sake. Easy light was suddenly so amazing that side affects such as glare were acceptable (The risks were not yet known).
As with all new strides in any aspect of Interior necessities like lighting, innovation and creative design soon began to infuse Interior lighting. Even the harsh, practical lighting for industries (large or small) began to look at the other effects of lighting — besides the obvious first purpose of just better illumination of Interior space.
Interior lighting, today, must accomplish much more than simple illumination. It is interesting to consider that the earliest records, documents, books, accounts registers and other written elements were created by candlelight. Eyestrain alone must have been responsible for early decline of quality eyesight. Who knew that the time would come when prevention of the harmful effects of poor or incorrect lighting would become a mandate.
Fast forward to Interior lighting — today. As an Interior design client reveals their vision of the Interior space in question, it becomes apparent (to the Interior design professional) the important role that lighting will play in delivering that vision. As the early discussions proceed, it becomes clear how that client wants to function in that Interior space and how lighting will support the client’s functional goals.
In a commercial Interior, the nature of the work therein drives the disciplines of the Interior design team concerning lighting choices and advice. Obviously, those choices would be quite different for an industrial manufacturing environment or factory setting, than for a series of administrative and executive offices. And, within those specific examples, the lighting would vary from Interior area to area, depending on the expected activities for those areas.
Residential Interior lighting choices, likewise, are driven by what “messages” your Interior design team derived from insights gained in the planning stages of your Interior project. Today, the available lighting choices range widely with regard to the kind of light provided, as well as the style and design of the units delivering the light.
Critical considerations for either commercial or residential Interiors include — but are certainly not limited to — protection of eyesight, safety regarding the activities to take place in the environment, aesthetics, practicality, beauty and reasonable maintenance.
Lighting of the distant past is often romanticized as part of bygone eras — and that’s okay. But, today’s lighting magic must serve several masters — including OSHA & CA Title 29. Your professional Interior design team knows the facts, the compliances and the rules — and how to do the magic anyway.
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer (CID) in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book at Business Design Services.
