Introduction to architectural indoor lighting

The purpose of architectural lighting – whether indoor or outdoor – is to emphasize or mask our surroundings. It is using light to shape, modify or change how we perceive the characteristics of a building, surface or space. It is an art with no strict rules only limited by imagination. As visual comfort and creating atmospheres that affect our emotions play the most important roles, the luminaires must usually be as well-hidden as possible; unless they are an artwork in themselves.

Indoors architectural lighting is often part of the whole decor. It can be used to emphasize a certain mood, brand or object, or to provide indirect lighting in public spaces or smaller rooms.