Natural Light and Colour in Architecture: A Means of Space Composition in Art Buildings

Fisola Esther OLUWAYOMI; Reuben Peters OMALE; Morisade Omorinola ADEGBIE

Fisola Esther OLUWAYOMI
Reuben Peters OMALE
Morisade Omorinola ADEGBIE

Keywords: daylight techniques, colour, user experience, interior architecture, artworks, art galleries

Abstract

This paper highlights the importance of daylight and colours in art galleries and exhibition halls; how both can be fused to enhance the artwork on display with respect to the visual quality among the viewers. Lighting in art spaces if done correctly, makes colour and textures to come to life. Otherwise, it can undermine the impact of artworks on viewer’s impressions. Apart from the quality, the relative position of the light source is also a crucial aspect for exhibiting art. Colour is an important part of art and life. It is a salient tool which can be utilized by artists to engage visitors/enthusiasts with the art. The approach of the interior designer empowers the art curator to tell stories, and to understand the key parameters of lighting art, the principles of daylight systems and colour mechanisms. While four different galleries were considered as case-studies, the galleries were analysed considering their lighting techniques, colours and materials adopted. Comparisons between the artificially and naturally lit areas were ascertained to get deeper understanding of the quality of light usage in art buildings. Findings from this study reveal that though light plays a crucial part in visual judgement by viewers, natural light appear to be more pleasurable than artificial light as it gives natural settings without ambiguity, which artificial light doesn’t. Therefore, an interplay of both natural and artificial light usage in the interior spaces of art buildings remain optimal. The conclusions from this study aim to create a better understanding between art, daylighting and colour, and how it is important in this specific building type.

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