Lighting plays a significant role in the design of a project, it is the integral element of drama, theater and play. A perfectly lit interior should reveal the subtle finishes, enhance the mood, and fit the environment in absolute harmony with its surroundings. I was able to sit down with Simon Berry, design director for Hong Kong based lighting firm, Illuminate to ask him a few questions about interior and architectural lighting.
1. When you face a new project, can you share your thoughts on how you approach it?
At the start of every project you have to understand the space you are dealing with not only in terms of volume but also finishes and details, first process is absorption then comes creativity and finally presentation, lighting is such a difficult medium to explain to the client the true effects it will have on a space, we find photo shopping the lighting onto an interior or exterior render (albeit an artistic representation) really enables the client to understand your approach, at the end of the day you want the client to be fully informed to avoid any surprise at a later stage.
2. What do you want to express in your project?
A seamless integration of the lighting into its surroundings whilst complimenting and enhancing the space around.
3. What is/are your most impressive project(s)? Please expound in more detail.
I have been involved in lighting design since 1988 so you can imagine I have many favorite projects, recently I would have to say Indigo in Shanghai , this hotels location on the Bund sets it apart and I always enjoy revisiting.
4. What is the biggest challenge so far that you have encountered?
Every day presents a new challenge so it’s difficult to narrow it down to the biggest, I think on a day to day the most common challenge would be time, there never seems to be enough.
5. How do you always get your inspiration and promote your own skill for your ideas & thought?
Inspiration can come from many sources, sometimes it can be fashion others times it can be from a movie or just from visiting a new location, the common thread here though is to be visually aware and hence stimulated.
6. Since you have been to so many places, what is/are your favourite city (cities)? Why?
I don’t think I could narrow it down to one favorite city, each location is relevant to the continent it is within but on a shortlist basis, I would have to say New York, Paris, & Hong Kong all hit the mark.
