ZIKZAK Architects

2021-03-01

Lighting design. As an element of attracting visitors to a restaurant

Lighting design. As an element of attracting visitors to a restaurant

Modern life is such that coziness is fundamental to a comfortable existence; a favorable environment is what pushes a person to success, and wherever we are, our need for comfort remains. Lighting design is an industry designed to create a composition of decor features and lighting solutions; to form this or that emotional atmosphere.

Proper lighting of the restaurant will make it possible to leave a positive first impression on the visitor.

Each bar and restaurant is unique and individual in its own way. To design a restaurant lighting, you need to consider the restaurant’s format, concept, target audience, and space.

Lighting design of modern restaurant interiors performs the following functions:

  1. Natural light replacement. It allows you to recreate comfortable lighting with the correct color temperature, acceptable intensity and proper uniformity.
  2. Organization and formation of space. Lighting is an assistant in the visual assessment of the interior. By correctly placing color accents, it is possible to increase the height of the ceilings, the width of the room and vice versa. Also, lighting is one of the tools in attracting the attention of visitors. Light scenarios of a restaurant affect the perception of the taste and appearance of dishes and the design itself.
  3. Zoning. Quite an interesting function of lighting design, which performs the separation of spaces through lighting, as well as saturation of each created zone with a certain mood and functionality.
  4. Decor. Lighting devices should fit into the style of the space. In some cases, they are not only imperceptibly introduced into the interior, but also become the main decorative element that attracts the eyes of guests.
  5. Marketing. Light branding is an up-to-date and popular technique designed to create a unique space with features that are unique to a particular brand.

Varieties of lighting

In restaurants, it is preferable to form entire lighting scenarios, including multilevel backlights. The types of lighting are multifunctional and are composed of different lighting fixtures.

General illumination, diffused surface directional. This is the main source of light in the establishment, which can be expressed both by natural insolation and by electric overhead lamps. Due to the full illumination of the institution, the dimensions of the room visually increase.

Local lighting, or accent lighting. Often presented as spot lighting designed to draw attention to specific objects.

Decorative lighting. Designed to complement the interior. Applicable in the form of highlighting the bar, entrance lobby, seats.

Zoning with light design

Lighting elements, different in shape and appearance, are designed to highlight functional areas. For example, proper illumination of the porch and parking area shows concern for visitors. Lighting, focusing on the signboard and the entrance group, is conducive to attracting visitors to the institution. Zoning with lighting design, supported by local spot lighting, guarantees a balance of an individually intimate setting with sufficient illumination. Intense and more active light will visually highlight the desired area in the restaurant.

Smart lighting

In order to correctly place light accents, you can use a controlled flexible lighting system. The functions of such systems are extensive: twilight sensors, presence and motion sensors, control and regulation of lighting characteristics, event scheduling, and more. The combination of the above helps in setting up and automating restaurant artificial lighting. A simple example – the lights of an institution can change brightness at different times of the day or depending on the format of the event.

Many of these systems can be controlled directly from a control panel, smartphone or personal computer.

When it comes to restaurant design, light plays an important role in it, as lighting is one of the elements that will help create awareness of your establishment.