Museums are the institutions where important works related to history, art, culture and science are stored and exhibited. When visiting a new city or country, they are one of the places to visit. Correct lighting is of great importance for users to perceive the works exhibited in museums, where many people visit to learn new things and have a pleasant time. In this article, a brief information will be given about the importance of lighting in the interior design of museums.
Antwerp Royal Museum of Fine Arts/ Image courtesy of https://www.archdaily.com/.
First Modern Museum Examples
In the first museum examples that emerged in the 18th century, the main purpose was to exhibit the works, so rectangular settlements where the works were located on the walls and the lighting was provided from the ceiling were preferred. In the 20th century, the understanding of museology and the interior designs of museums began to change, with the acquisition of educational and research functions as well as exhibitions. An understanding has developed in which interactive display techniques are used and visitors can communicate with the museum.
Natural Lighting
Providing the right lighting in museums is of great importance in terms of perceiving the exhibited artifacts and preventing the deterioration that may occur in the artifacts. The use of natural light sources enriches the perception of spaces; however, it may cause changes in the artworks or the amount of light may not be sufficient to create the desired atmosphere. For these reasons, artificial light sources are needed.
Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art, Istanbul Modern/ Image taken from https://www.archdaily.com/.
Lighting in Museums
In museum buildings, the atmosphere that the designers want to create, the dimensions of the works to be exhibited and the materials from which they are made are among the factors that affect the lighting selection. Colour and direction of the light, whether the light causes shadows or reflections are effective when choosing lighting. It is possible for the works exhibited to look more impressive and aesthetic in the right light. According to these criteria, the lighting system is selected and placed in the appropriate position at the appropriate angle.
In public spaces such as museums, it is often desirable to create inviting and open atmospheres. Preferring LED lighting is beneficial in this respect. LED lighting systems can be easily integrated with the suspended ceiling systems preferred in museums, creating stylish and modern environments. LUMUNER Track Spot models, which can be produced in different sizes, can be used easily in museums and galleries, and create an aesthetic and stylish appearance by being integrated with suspended ceiling systems.
Notable Examples of Modern Architectural Projects
Antwerp Royal Museum of Fine Arts, KAAN Architecten/ Image courtesy of https://www.archdaily.com/.
Antwerp Royal Museum of Fine Arts/ KAAN Architecten
The museum which, was opened in 1890, was designed as a daylight-enabled building where visitors can experience the landscape of the area along with the artworks. In the 20th century with the fundamental changes made, innovations have occurred in the circulation of the building and its relationship with the city. With the additions made by KAAN Architecten in the 2000s, suitable environments for the historical texture of the museum were created. In the 19th century museum, daylight and landscape were brought in through large windows, and in the museum, which complies with the 21st century design criteria, aesthetic and impressive environments were created by using LED lighting systems.
The use of lighting systems in the interior design of the Athens Olympic Museum / Image taken from https://www.archdaily.com/.
Athens Olympic Museum/ KLab architecture + MULO creative Lab
At the Athens Olympic Museum in Greece, it was aimed to create an exciting learning environment and surprise the visitors with different display techniques. Lighting systems have been one of the important elements in the interior design of the museum, where the history of the Olympic games and the games are described. The lighting systems of the exhibition areas are made by trying to imitate the effect of daylight leaking from different points. An aesthetic and stylish atmosphere is designed by creating shadows on the walls.
Denver Art Museum Galleries Interior Design/ Image Extracted from https://www.archdaily.com/
Denver Museum of Art Design Galleries and Studio/ OMA
The art galleries of the Denver Art Museum, one of the most important contemporary art and architecture museums in the United States, were renovated by OMA. In the Ponti Gallery, located on the mezzanine floor of the museum, it was aimed to create the experience of the users while walking between the building blocks in the cities. By using movable walls, it was possible to create a fluid atmosphere for activities such as workshops and presentations and to draw attention to various activities.
The choice of lighting is very important in the interior design of the spaces in order to offer an impressive experience to the visitors in the museums. Preservation and display of works, creating stylish and aesthetic environments are possible by choosing the right lighting systems.
Resources
https://www.archdaily.com/970802/denver-art-museum-design-galleries-and-studio-oma?ad_medium=gallery
Şener, Feride & Yener Alpin, “Lighting Criteria in Museums and the Example of Istanbul Naval Museum”
https://www.emo.org.tr/ekler/ed3f6c5e3c6aad5_ek.pdf
