It can’t be emphasised enough, lighting does not exist by itself, it is part of an overall sensory experience. In a recent social media post Louis Vuitton promotes it’s latest resort concept as a sensory experience. While it does not really mention lighting specifically (which just shows, how integrated and accepted it is in a designer’s mind), it is unmistakably a critical element in the whole experience. Using this open glass concept to create these eye pleasing visuals shows the critical interaction with light. While I looks like coloured (dichroic?) glass is used to create these effects and contrasts, it is the interaction with light that makes it work, both during the day as well as during the night. 

There is a carefully created balance between daylight and artificial light that provides the background and “surround ambience” to support their message of fashion and trend setting. This LV concept is an expression of many others today that explore the combination of light, material, finishes and I would add technology, to create experiences. You can probably add sound, smell and feel to the mix. Smart technology will allow for additional interactive and immersive effects which visitors, guests or users can experience consciously or even sub consciously. They can be purely visual and emotional, but also have a physical impact. 

Lighting design is a collaborative process that not only supports the greater experience but also helps in promoting the corporate identity and messages its vision and mission. Today’s fast evolving technologies can be found everywhere, in building materials, in finishes and in smart technologies and they are all interfacing with lighting in some way or form.

Lighting has evolved from being purely functional, to creating mood and ambience to now where we create experiences with lighting being integral to content creation. The future of lighting will be very much about creating experiences. The future is already here…