Revolutionizing Public Spaces: The Glass Library by Licht.Associates

Bringing Harmony to Public Spaces with Innovative Lighting Design

At the heart of the Glass Library's design is the concept of "Light". The project was envisioned as a dual-purpose space, serving as a sales office and a library. The common element between these two functions was the need for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The fixtures and furnishings are tangible, but the mood and tone of the space are crafted through light, creating a sense of connection to the external world while maintaining a tranquil internal environment.

The uniqueness of this split-level glass structure lies in its innovative use of ambient lighting. The design ensures that changes in external light intensity do not affect the ample lighting required for reading. This is achieved through careful selection and placement of lighting fixtures, their intensity, and the angles of beams. The design also incorporates techniques to mitigate direct sunlight and other strong light sources, maintaining a subtle and tranquil atmosphere regardless of external weather conditions.

Creating the desired lighting effect required meticulous planning and precision. The location, wattage, angle beam, and colour temperature of each light were considered after accurate calculations and experienced analysis. The design also cleverly uses concealed LED strips embedded inside suspended steel rods to create a flowing halo effect, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.

The Glass Library project faced several challenges, including aesthetic issues related to providing electricity for lighting in the external glass structure, ensuring supple lighting for the spacious and non-partitioned three split levels, and budget constraints that prohibited the use of a dimming system. Despite these challenges, the design team managed to create a balanced light intensity and a high transparency effect, blending aesthetic treatment with practicality.

The Glass Library was awarded Silver in A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2020, a testament to its innovative design and remarkable execution. The project is a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform public spaces, creating environments that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and emotionally engaging.