Set in best Light – Lighting in Interior Architecture

Although we may not always consciously notice it, optimal lighting is crucial. Whether in living spaces, workplaces, restaurants, gyms, or retail environments, lighting influences our experience of the surroundings and, ultimately, ourselves.

At DOBAS, lighting design is a fundamental part of our retail, hospitality, and exhibition projects. Usually, after an initial discussion with our clients, the direction of the lighting concept and specific needs begin to take shape.

Key parameters for lighting design

Several parameters are critical for effective lighting design, including:

• Light Colour (measured in Kelvin):

Light colour significantly affects a room’s mood and emotional impact. The higher the Kelvin value, the brighter and cooler the atmosphere feels. The choice of light colour often depends on the items being displayed. Diamonds, for example, are best illuminated with 4000 Kelvin, while gold shines most beautifully under 3000 Kelvin lighting.

• Light Quantity (measured in Lumen):

Light quantity creates drama and gently guides customer attention. The amount of light reflected on a surface, such as a table, is measured in Lux. Products meant to stand out are illuminated with a high light intensity.

• Colour Rendering Index (CRI):

This parameter measures the quality of the light source. The higher the CRI, the more accurately the colours of displayed products are rendered.

Once DOBAS has completed the lighting design for a project, we hand over detailed plans, including technical specifications of the selected light fixtures, to an external partner for verification. Their calculations allow us to ensure the lighting concept achieves the desired effects and make adjustments if necessary.

From theory to practice

The lighting design and calculations for the project illustrated above pertain to «Shoes and Bags» for Fifty One East, one of Qatar’s leading luxury retail providers. For this 1000-square-metre boutique in the Lagoona Mall Doha – which received an «International Property Award» – DOBAS utilised spotlights, indirect lighting, and decorative fixtures.

At the centre of the boutique, variously coloured hand-blown pendant lights create a chandelier-like effect when viewed from a distance.

Additionally, Patrick Buchecker and Deborah Muff designed a custom decorative light fixture for the Fifty One East boutique. Composed of curved metal elements, the fixture projects an intricate pattern onto the ceiling.

For this project, DOBAS also developed a unique shelving system with integrated power supply. This allows illuminated display trays to be freely repositioned and swapped out as needed.