Light, energy for people
Every day light allows us to push the limits of time and extend our days. Few of us cease their activity or stop working after the sun goes down. One of the predominant light sources at night is LED, which has risen in popularity over the last 10 years. LED has been described as the most efficient solution for providing more light for less cost. But with each positive can arise a negative and LED is negatively affecting our mind and our mood by exposing us to blue light.
LED is effective, but is it really beneficial to have LED as a light source in our homes where we are looking to relax and recover? Is there a better solution for a living space ?
Kobi lighting studio recently faced these very questions on a project located in Da Lat, where they were charged with finding the most suitable lighting solution for a family villa. The studio embraces an ethical responsibility to design light not only to benefit the residents, but the environment as well. As construction concludes, this project will pay tribute to the richness of natural light and the calming effect of a dark night sky.
Kobi intends to delicately highlight a unique architectural space in order to change the life of a family, wishing to meditate in the countryside. After each sunset, a transitional light that could be described as noble, respectful, benevolent and sober towards its hosts will emerge.
Heat and Lighting (source: kobi lighting studio)
Filament light source – the new “modern” choice
A project such as this, lit completely by tungsten filament lamps is rarely observed in modern architecture. Kobi made a bold choice to push the exclusive use of halogenic light as its properties best suit the needs of the residents. This decision made by the studio supports the vision of the architect in charge of the project.
“The use of filament lamps has become an obvious choice for us because of the quality of this type of lighting: it produces a rich and superior light that closely resembles that of the sun”, explains Jonathan Trouillon, founder and artistic director of kobi lighting studio.
“We wanted to go against the trend of adding too many LED lights to illuminate a space too evenly and intensely at night. I think more and more people are concerned about their well-being and are starting to hear about the negative health effects of blue light.”
Kobi calculated how to light the home enough for everyday living while providing a feeling of calm and peace, letting the eyes adapt to the night. In the cool of winter, the red filament of the bulbs generously warms the mind and body, giving energy and comfort to the residence.
A villa where day and night coexist in harmony
“We need darkness and silence each night to recharge us with energy. Transitional, artificial light cannot and should not replace sunlight,” Jonathan said.
In our modern lives, darkness is forgotten and often avoided. Yet light and dark, as in Yin and Yang, are complementary through contrast. They aid to regulate the body’s internal clock (the circadian rhythm).
“A light bath in the morning from the sun each day, and an adjustment to the dark each evening, promotes healthy living and deep, restful sleep,” explains Jonathan.
Giving priority to the natural cycle of day and night also involves the prevention and reduction of nocturnal light pollution. This is what kobi lighting studio stands for. The studio therefore used the filament lamps in a subtle way, making sure to direct the light towards the intended object and to render a precise service. “We have put few lamps per square meter, compared to contemporary practices using LEDs galore and unreasonably. The reality is, we don’t need a lot of light at home to enjoy life together, ” reports the studio’s creative director.
Filament light source – the new “modern” choice
Architecture and light for a home
This project is creating a home. A welcoming feeling of family and togetherness hence each lamp should be a vector of energy
and well-being for the residence of the Villa in Da Lat.
To never forget that light is a precious and noble good, kobi has decided not to put any lamps on the ceilings. “We forget where the light comes from when it is installed more than two meters above our heads. Inaccessible, invisible, it loses its importance and prestige. Light must be perceived and touched. Thus, we have designed and arranged each filament lamp so that they become an object of contemplation but also of pleasure,” expresses the founder of kobi. “We were inspired by the light of a campfire. We liked the idea that light brings people together and connects them while being both reassuring and warm.”
Kobi’s intention is that when the inhabitants wake up in the morning they rediscover, thanks to natural light, the architectural elements and details of the Japanese architect. The architecture of the place is exceptional, in terms of volume and technical skill. Kobi considers that only the sun is able to reveal it. In the evening, the space and the building must be perceived differently, it must be reimagined.