Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Cafe Lighting 5

Perhaps most difficult will be the lighting of the sleeping deck on the second floor. The light in the image has been used to subtle and softly highlight small details and features of a wine wall. I will use this same idea by mounting luminaries that produce soft, ambient lighting along the walls of the sleeping deck so as to illuminate the vertical planes within the room, but in an indirect way so as not to disturb the individuals sleeping in the room. The lighting in the image is successful because it allows for the occupant to see the important characteristics of the object, drawing attention to it, yet, at the same time, it does not become a focal point in the room. The light serves simply to discretely highlight was is there and create a slight curiosity to the wall. In this same way I will allow for people to sleep peacefully within the sleeping deck, yet at the same time, allow those who are coming and going to see where they are walking and to determine whether or not a bed is occupied.

In addition to the soft lighting that highlights the wall, there is horizontal lighting at the very top which, for my purposes, will help for way finding. The horizontal lines can be used to direct people both into and out of the sleeping deck without have to provide obvious signs or statements within the space. The horizontal lighting is subtle enough that it does not illuminate the entire space.

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Cafe Lighting 4

The study area on the second floor should be a combination of both artificial lighting and natural light. Studies show that natural light increases productivity. In addition, it has been said to have a correlation with students' increased test scores.

In the study area, the relationship between the natural light and artificial light should be a balance, one should not overpower the other. Also, there space should be varied. For example, some parts of the space should have more natural light, while other parts have more artificial light, and finally, some areas that only receive whats been diffused from the two. The space should feel fresh, calm, and welcoming.

The image below portrays the feeling I wish to convey in my space in that much of the artificial light is indirect and greatly diffused. There is a luminary in the center of the ceiling, small, recessed luminaries along the perifery, and the natural daylight. Both the artificial light and natural light have a clean texture to them, and while they are not warm in color like the type of light that will be used in the pool room, the room still has a sublte, warm glow to it. This type of light will make the space feel more spacious and airy, allowing people to breath comfortably when the stresses of studying gets high. Furthermore, it helps to create an open and quiet environment.

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Cafe Lighting 3

The second floor of the cafe will have an area for playing pool, studying, and napping. These areas have been seperated into three distinct areas and are defined by floor to ceiling walls.

In the pool table area I would like to create a space that is night club-like. It should be darker and the lighting should be controled and restricted. Occupants should feel as if they are in a lounge.

The image below conveys the feeling and mood I wish to protray in the pool table room. The lighting is dim, yet warm, and gives people the sense of security because they cannot be seen well. Staggered pendant lighting is placed over the bar to not only define the bar space, but also to catch people attention and bring them closer. I intend to place pendant luminaries over the pool table to create the same effect. By placing the luminaries over the pool table I will not only be highlighting the tables as the primary feature of the room, but will also entice them to come closer and maybe even play a game or two. The other desireable quality these pendants have is the fact that they are made of a warm colored glass. From the look of it, they appear to be a combination of reds and oranges. The combination of red and orange create a texture of light that is warm and cozy.

In addition, there appears to be luminaries along the perimeter of the bar but the light being prodiced is not nearly as desireable or attractive. The color of light along the perimeter is not as warm and is more of a white, cool color. This approach to my space can help define the permiter versus the center of the room.


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Cafe Lighting 2

In addition to providing appropriate lighting for the cafe bar and main area on the first floor, I would like to also provide appropriate lighting to the seating area. The perimeter of the cafe will already have a fair amount of natural light entering the space, however, additional ambient lighting can help. For these areas it is my intention to provide a soft and subtle light that makes people feel comfortable in the space. The space should be welcoming but not stand out as if it is being highlighted or that attention is being drawn to it. It's purpose is to help make customers feel comfortable in the space whether they are alone, with a friend, or with many friends.

This image works well to describe the type of feeling I am trying to portray because the luminaries are not strong, they are not direct, and there are very few of them so the light is softer and more subtle. In addition, there is some highlighting of vertical planes which would allow for me to display artwork on the walls and have it be highlighted. Also, because the luminaries are on a track they can be moved and manipulated as desired. This is a plus because the demands of the space may not always stay the same.

The darker areas in the image (lower left corner) help to define areas of intimacy. So, while artwork can be displayed and viewed by other occupants in the space, two love birds, for example, won't feel as though they are being placed in a spot light if they choose to sit below because the light below is not as strong. This will allow for people to have a sense of privacy which is an important component in a social and public place.


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Cafe Lighting 1

In the process of designing the Lowe's Coffee shop, it is important to consider how light will be used to create certain moods and feelings within the space. Upon entering the space one will find seating and the cafe bar andregister. Stairs near the entrance are on the right and bathrooms and an office are beyond the bar, in the back. The cafe is composed of 3 floors, including a roof top deck.

On the first floor I would like to incorporate a combination of natural light and soft, artificial light. The natural light will enter through a glass wall that makes up the east wall, and through various windows along the north and west walls. There are no windows along the south wall. Southern light is known for being harsh, direct and somtimes overwhelming. I have strategically placed the bathrooms and private office in this location so that only soft, indirect light can enter the space at all times.

Below is an image of the type of mood and feeling I would like to create at the cafe bar. The light should be strong enough for customers to view the menu, complete transactions accurately and to have a good view of the pasteries or other goodies they are considering for purchase. A combination of both recessed can lighting and pendent lighting has been used to highlight the items on display on a horizontal plane. The pendant luminairies are small and so are the can lights so the light is not as strong. In addition, the luminairies have been distributed throughout the space. This illuminates the space uniformly and allows for the space to have a softer glow to it. Some luminairies are directed toward vertical planes, particularly the back wall of the bakery area. This draws the occupant in and creates interest on the item being illuminated. I plan to use this same tactic with the cafe bar so that people are drawn to place an order.

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