Light at the end of the tunnel.

The light at the end of the tunnel.  This light is warm and inviting. I would like to create areas such as this. I think it feels cocoon-like, but ther is an out, which is also comforting.

Photo Rights belong to Lino Photography.

Zumthor

There is an simple richness in the minimilistic geometry of Peter Zumthor's bath house.

The lighted water is so warm and inviting. In videos that I have seen, I am enamored by the way light dances and bounces off the walls. 

The reflective pools give the illusion that the room is twice as tall as it is.

Fay Jones

The architecture of Fay Lones has a rythm and resonance that allows the light within to dance and reverberate on its surfaces giving it a life of quiet energy.

I have always been interested in framework. Im not quite sure what it is. In regards to the light specifically, I like the graphic mature of striping that it creates.

Wright Restaurant

I came across this new Upper East Side restaurant in NYC, designed by Andre Kikoski, while looking for pictures of Frank Lloyd Wrights lighting effects . While it does not look like a Wright reproduction, the design hones in on some of Wrights most important beliefs on lighting.

 One being that light should come from a hidden location, as if naturally eminating from the space itself, not a fixture upon it. This effect can be seen in Fallingwater, but Im not sure if that is the first time Wright utilized that effect.

Also, note that the windows direct sun are hidden by the orange filters. It was important to Wright to allow the light from the outside world in, but not to overwhelm.

 The long swooping lines of warm light give off an energy and portray a sense of movement. In all the space seems to have a breathing life of its own, and appears that would be a unique and energizing dining experience.

Images borrowed from handycrahunique.com

Maymont Nature Center

Clerestory windows in Maymonts barn-like building allow ample daylight to fill the exhibit space. When I enter the space, its like being outdoors. Not only the natural exhibit design, but all the natural light. There are of course electrical lights, but seem to be minimum, and only used as supplements to the natural light. 

Since it is an exhibit about nature, the natural light feels very appropriate.

You can see here how natural the environment is rendered. This turtle seems happy!

Chipotle Reflectivity

I appreciate the design of Chipotle restaurants. The many windows allow ample natural light in and many metallic surfaces help to bounce the light around. Although its made of industrial materials, the restaurant has a nice bright feel.

The incandescent spot lights throughout help to warm the surfaces.

I like the way reflective surfaces make objects "disappear". I wonder how different the room would look if all of the surfaces were wood-smaller?

Hotel Sierra

The Hotel Sierra in Short Pump is like a showroom for artificial light. The lobby is large, so although they have large windows about, the light doesn't penetrate deeply into the space. Artificial light helps this. Mostly, I feel that the lighting helps to produce a posh, sexy, intimate feel about the space.

Hidden light sources allow this wall to have a life inside of it. Very organic.

By shrouding the massive structural columns with light the space feels lighter and more open.

The reflective paint in the floor helps to open the space up as well, bouncing light all over the place. It reminds me of a city street at night after the rain. Elderly people may have a difficult time with this.