Lighting In Museum Spaces

Designing an art gallery, lighting is a very crucial aspect to consider. I conducted research on the different types of lighting  that can be used to highlight different elements. Based on the secondary types of research, I found various information on how lighting enhances displays, and I also conducted light tests on a few models for the effects obtained.

Secondary research - 

THE FLEXIBLE SPOTLIGHTING

I found this type of lighting to be the most common among the art galleries, where rails are placed on the ceiling along which spotlights are located and can be dragged according to where the respective displays are placed.

A more flexible type of lighting which caters to any type of display!

SOURCE : http://blog.1000bulbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/istanbul-168774_1280.jpg

SOURCE : http://www.conservators-converse.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lighting_leds.jpg

SOURCE : http://www.wholesaleledlights.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/museumlighting1.jpg

INDIRECT NATURAL LIGHTING

This is a common sunlighting found in many galleries. Art that is displayed on the walls may get reflected or glared at, due to direct lighting that falls on it. So dispersed or indirect lighting is the best method of natural lighting in most galleries.

SOURCE : http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/05/dezeen_Lenbachhaus-museum-by-Foster-Partners_8.jpg

The gallery was designed by Foster and Partners. Here the indirect lighting is created by a continuous strip of lighting along one direction of the room making the room seem wider due to the direction. As a result, the space looks vast with lighting falling only along certain areas in the centre of the room, thereby avoiding the sensitive paintings on the walls. 

  SOURCE : http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Kimbell_Art_Museum_Fort_Worth_galleries_1.jpg

This gallery by Louis Khan, makes the lighting system have an ethereal quality to it, due to the sliver of natural light that curves along from the ceiling.The curved vaults seem to be floating in the as a result ! 

LIGHTING THAT OVERPOWERS THE ART

SOURCE : http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/03/dezeen_Staedel-Museum-extension-by-SchneiderSchumacher_11.jpg

The lighting here seems to overpower the displays, due to its large shape and pattern throughout. 

SOURCE : http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/louvre_abu_dhabi_renderings.jpg

This is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by  Jean Nouvel and  is currently under construction, As a building, I think this museum looks beautiful, but as an art museum and the function, the lighting seems very distracting , and takes the eye of the viewer away from the actual art and towards the light.The patterns created on the floor and wall itself seems like the highlight artpiece ! 

Primary Research - 

I conducted experiments to see the way light falls for different types......

This is an example of indirect lighting, where the edges of the ceiling seem to be highlighted, making the room seem like the roof is floating.

In this instance, direct lighting falls on the floor, highlighting the path of the visitor to view the art along the wall.But it is always more ideal for indirect lighting, compared to direct.

Here the lighting, falls on only the two spots of the openings, thereby creating a pattern on the floor.

This is the lighting I wanted to use for my design, for a dark gallery, where only a sliver of indirect lighting is brought down through a solar chimney, and highlighting the path of the floor. Ideal to enhance paths of circulation and create a dramatic effect ! 

I think, lighting is very crucial for a good design and natural light is the most beautiful and ideal method of lighting. From my studies, it is deciphered that, indirect lighting is the best method of lighting, as direct light may tend to damage the art.