Lighting plays a crucial role in making a space visually appealing and functional. Performative lighting, in particular, has become increasingly important for creating a welcoming atmosphere that can influence the mood and behavior of guests. It’s vital to understand the significance of performative lighting as it can significantly impact the overall ambiance of commercial spaces.
Performative lighting is a term that refers to lighting designs that go beyond simple illumination. It is a type of lighting designed to evoke emotions, create an immersive experience, and enhance the ambiance of a space.
But why is performative lighting so important in commercial spaces? For starters, it can create a unique and memorable experience for visitors. It can also highlight certain aspects of the space, such as artwork or architectural features.
In addition, performative lighting can be used to create a specific ambiance that supports the function of the space. For example, a restaurant might use warm, dim lighting to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, while a retail store might use bright, white lighting to enhance the colors and textures of its products.
“Emblem Health” New York, NY, Gensler. Photo by Robert Deitchler.
Integrating performative lighting with architectural panel systems is becoming a popular and innovative approach in architectural projects. Backlighting systems can easily control the light’s color, brightness, and intensity in a perforated panel system designed with them.
Combining performative lighting with a complementary acoustic system can create an ideal office or retail environment. These systems work harmoniously to enhance the project’s aesthetics while providing acoustic balance, creating a more peaceful and productive atmosphere for all.
When properly integrated with panel systems and complementing acoustic systems, performative lighting can improve any architectural project’s functionality, aesthetics, and overall user experience.
Below are seven inspirational ideas for utilizing performative lighting in your next commercial project.
“1676 International Drive” Tysons, VA, Perkins + Will. Photo by Halkin Mason.
A well-executed lighting design for a building’s exterior can enhance its architectural features, create a dramatic impact, and draw attention to the building. Proper lighting can also improve visibility, safety, and security for those working and living inside, making the building more inviting and accessible.
The right combination of lighting fixtures, intensity, and color can transform a building into a work of art, adding instant curb appeal and leaving a lasting impression on visitors. At Arktura, exterior lighting is designed and engineered by our custom project team, Solutions Studio.
“NMAAM” Nashville, TN, Donna Gilliam Interiors. Photo by Wronski Photography, LLC.
Thanks to this custom lighting system, curved ceiling baffles come to life with exciting motion. The undulating form of these metal baffles resembles the current of waterways.
This resemblance plays into this project’s overall thematic design. The gallery’s “River of Rhythms” exhibit area inspired the design cues for the lobby. Atmosphera® Analog 3D’s wavy pattern was the perfect complement as it mimics the constant flow of water and the music’s rhythm.
“VT Jamerson Athletic Center” Blacksburg, VA, HEWV Hanbury. Photo courtesy of VT Athletics Department.
Through Arktura’s Solutions Studio, custom designs come to life through Vapor® Graphic Perf® wall and ceiling panels. This tailored panel system can translate branded logos, patterns, and images onto precisely perforated metal sheets.
These customized designs, from script to image, are further elevated with our optional Backlighting. This project offers a mix of bespoke Vapor® Graphic Perf® solutions in tandem with our standard Vapor® Syntax panel system.
“Coterra” Houston, TX, Kirksey Architecture. Photo courtesy of Armstrong World Industries.
Performative lighting can perform essential, everyday functions in addition to delivering stunning visual appeal. Lighting can serve as a waypoint finder for guests and employees in large, open office spaces.
These Vapor® Cluster Dense panels create a stunning visual display across the wall while also leading inhabitants towards the staircase, leading to the next level up.
“Two Freedom” Reston, VA, Sasaki Associates. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.
Light up the night sky by creating a constellation across your ceiling. Thanks to these custom Delta Drop® panels with optional Backlighting, this space has a dappled lighting effect.
The addition of suspended, third-party pendants offer additional lighting, while the panels feature performative lights, adding a whimsical quality.
“Columbus Convention Center” Columbus, OH, Schooley Caldwell Associates, Elford, Inc.
Large auditoriums, banquet halls, or convention centers can be a nightmare to properly light and tune acoustically. Arktura offers architectural solutions that can take care of both those concerns.
Break up large ceiling-scapes with arrays of Atmosphera® Analog 3D ceiling fins with optional lighting. The recessed lighting throughout the space provides direct light, while the lighting between fins creates a moody atmosphere throughout the system.
“ControlTek” Bridgewater, NJ, Studio Eagle. Photo by Will Ellis Photography, Inc.
Beyond offices and exteriors, performative lighting can be a tremendous asset in a retail space. Mix and match lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere for shoppers while using specific lighting cues to highlight a high-ticket item or merchandise display.
These Vapor® Trail wall and ceiling panels utilize the optional backlighting accessory to guide shoppers’ eyes to a wall display of merchandise.
By integrating performative lighting with architectural panel systems and acoustic systems, you can create an ideal environment that improves the functionality, aesthetics, and overall user experience.
Whether it is highlighting specific features of a space or setting the ambiance of a restaurant or a retail store, performative lighting can significantly impact the overall feel of a commercial project.
Arktura offers customized lighting solutions that can create deep undulations, illuminate custom-designed wall perforations, and create a constellation across the ceiling.
Contact our team to learn more about elevating your next project with performative lighting.
Double the honors, double the fun! Arktura had plenty to celebrate as we clinched two prestigious wins at this year’s Architectural Record 2023 Record Product of the Year Awards. Nominated…
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