This course examines core principles of lighting interiors. These include choosing the light’s intensity, color temperature, direction, and quality.  We examine how those choices shape the mood, atmosphere, and function of a space. We consider how bright versus dim lighting can influence behavior, how warm and cool temperatures affect warmth, clarity, and psychological responses, and how light direction together with surface finishes (glossy versus matte) alter depth, texture, and perception. Also discussed are natural light’s seasonal shifts, the practice of layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent), and how to harmonize light with color, texture, and space, to create cohesive experiences across various rooms and activities.

After completing this course, students will be able to: 

1.      Recall the four core properties of light discussed in interior design (intensity, color temperature, direction, and quality). 

2.      Explain how light intensity can influence mood and behavior, including examples of high versus low intensity in work vs. relaxation settings. 

3.      Describe how color temperature affects perceived warmth or coolness in a given room. 

4.      Recognize how light direction (from above, from the side, and natural vs. artificial sources) shapes depth, shadows, and spatial relationships within a defined architectural space. 

5.      List common surface finishes (glossy vs. matte) and explain how each interacts with light to influence brightness, texture, and mood. 

6.      Determine how natural daylight changes through the day and across seasons and design strategies (e.g., shading, window placement) to optimize daylight in a given space. 

7.      Analyze the relationship between light, color, and material and how changes in finishes or colors would alter the room’s perceived atmosphere. 

8.      Create a brief, sustainability-minded lighting concept that incorporates energy-efficient technologies (e.g., LEDs, daylight harvesting, dimming) while prioritizing safety, accessibility, and occupant well-being.