Lighting design: strategies and solutions for comfortable spaces
Lighting is a core element in the design of highly occupied spaces.
In addition to defining the aesthetics of an environment, it directly affects the comfort, safety and well-being of the people who live there on a day-to-day basis. A proper lighting design allows to optimize the functionality of spaces, reducing energy use and creating atmospheres that improve the quality of stay.
But what are the key points to be taken into attention when designing lighting for high-traffic environments? Let’s find out with Elena Bonzani, Italy contact person for the Finnish company Tunto Design.
Natural light: the sun as first designer.
Natural light is an irreplaceable resource. Integrating large windows, skylights and reflective surfaces maximizes sunlight intake, reducing energy consumption and improving mental and physical well-being. Natural light, in fact, contributes to the regulation of the circadian rhythm, increasing productivity and the feeling of comfort within environments.
Energy Efficiency: technology and sustainability
The implementation of LED solutions is now an unavoidable standard.
Due to their long life and low energy consumption, they enable cost optimization and reduce environmental impact. Motion sensors and intelligent lighting systems adjust light intensity according to actual needs, ensuring efficient use of energy.
Well-designed lighting reduces the risk of accidents and improves orientation in spaces.
In hallways, stairways, and passage areas, an even distribution of light is critical to ensure safety. At the same time, avoiding glare and shadowy areas helps reduce eye fatigue, improving the user experience.
High-occupancy spaces need flexible lighting systems that can be adapted to the different needs of the day. With intensity control systems and the ability to modulate color temperature, customized lighting scenarios can be created, enhancing the atmosphere and interaction between users and the space.
Design and visual identity: light as a branding tool
Lighting is not just about functionality, but a powerful design tool that enhances the visual identity of an environment. Custom lighting solutions can turn spaces around, making them instantly recognizable and enhancing brand perception.
Choosing quality materials and designing custom-designed lighting effects means elevating the user experience.
Case study: the lighting design of Supercell Office Building
An excellent example of innovative lighting design is the Supercell Office Building in Helsinki. Based in the Jätkäsaari district, within the famous Woodcity complex, this building is the headquarters of one of the most important companies in the video game world.
Through the collaboration between Supercell and a design team led by Tunto Design, a state-of-the-art lighting concept was developed, combining technology and design in a perfect balance. The project includes:
🔹 500 custom lighting solutions, spread over five floors.
🔹 Cell pendant lamp, optimized for workstations with intensity and color temperature adjustment.
🔹 Hex modular system, a geometric structure that illuminates an area of 660 square meters, visible even from outside the building.
Every detail is designed to create an immersive visual experience, enhancing the quality of work and the well-being of users.
Lighting is more than just a source of light: it is a tool for well-being, a means of optimizing environments, and an opportunity to reduce energy consumption.
Through conscious design, it is possible to transform any space into a welcoming, safe and aesthetically engaging place.