The lighting design of Tien-Ching Academy in Hangzhou embodies the aesthetics of the Song dynasty, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere through subtle and natural illumination.
Contents
Project Background
Nestled at the foot of Hangzhou’s Banshan National Park, Tien-Ching Academy provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Inspired by the aesthetics of the Song dynasty, the academy’s design seeks to recreate the elegant lifestyle of Song literati. The white-walled, gray-tiled courtyard buildings surround a central water courtyard, fostering a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, architectural lighting design. The design team at PROL Lightstone, led by Ms. Lihui and Mr. Fuli, aimed to create a lighting scheme that embodies the academy’s cultural significance and promotes a sense of relaxation and contemplation, architectural lighting design.
Lighting Design Concept and Objectives
Drawing inspiration from a poem by Su Shi, “The sun took it away, while the moon delivered it,” the lighting design concept revolves around the idea of natural and effortless illumination. The goal was to create a lighting experience that feels as organic as the transition from sunset to moonrise, allowing visitors to unwind and appreciate the academy’s ambiance. The designers sought to highlight the “hidden” aspects of light, subtly revealing the beauty of the architecture and landscape, architectural lighting design.
Exterior Lighting: A Dialogue with Nature
The exterior lighting is characterized by its understated elegance. As visitors approach the academy along the stone path, they are greeted by the silhouettes of ancient pine trees and the soft glow of interior lights filtering through the grid-patterned walls. This creates a sense of anticipation and sets the stage for a journey of discovery. The main entrance and the building’s interior are bathed in a warm, continuous light, punctuated by strategically placed areas of darkness to create visual contrast. The circular porthole in the courtyard wall offers glimpses of the interior, further piquing visitors’ curiosity, architectural lighting design.
Interior Lighting: Embracing Song Dynasty Aesthetics
The interior lighting continues the theme of simplicity and tranquility. In the reception hall, soft light emanates from behind rice paper panels, mimicking the warm glow of the setting sun. The lighting scheme emphasizes the creation of a sense of spaciousness while highlighting artworks and functional areas. In the tea room, carefully placed lights illuminate the natural elements, such as stones and flowers, while accent lighting enhances the luster of porcelain teaware. Concealed lighting behind the rice paper panels simulates the effect of sunlight filtering through a skylight, architectural lighting design.
Technical Details and Sustainability
The lighting design incorporates a combination of direct and indirect lighting techniques to achieve the desired effects. Concealed lighting fixtures are used extensively to minimize visual clutter and create a sense of seamless integration with the architecture. Energy-efficient LED lighting sources are employed throughout the project to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. The lighting control system allows for flexible adjustments to create different moods and scenes based on the time of day and the specific event or activity taking place, architectural lighting design.
PROL Lightstone: Pioneering the Implicit Value of Light
Founded in 2010 by Ms. Lihui and Mr. Fuli, PROL Lightstone is a leading lighting design firm in China. They are known for their innovative approach to lighting design, which emphasizes the exploration of the “implicit value” of light. PROL Lightstone has received numerous international awards for its work, and its projects have been praised for their subtle elegance and ability to enhance the user experience. The firm has collaborated with renowned hotel management groups, real estate developers, and design firms on a wide range of projects, including public facilities, cultural institutions, office buildings, hotels, residences, and large-scale commercial complexes, architectural lighting design.
Project Information:
Project Type: Cultural Building
Architect: PROL Lightstone
Area: 3450 sqm
Project Year: Not specified
Country: China
Main Materials: Not specified
Photographer: TOPIA
