Lighting design and interior design: a fascinating interplay

Sophisticated lighting concepts and light installations can add another dimension to the interior architecture and store design of a room. Our hand-picked winning projects of the LIT Lighting Design Awards 2024 show what an overwhelming effect this complex interplay of light, space, geometry, material and color can create when all possibilities are exploited.

From over 800 submissions from 58 countries, a 35-member jury awarded prizes for ground-breaking innovations and creativity. We have highlighted nine projects from both the retail and hospitality sectors to present you with examples of the range of current lighting design.

The A.M. flagship store is located in a shopping center, and the architecture of the underground space is intended to be multiplied through the use of light. Parts of the room flooded with light simulate the penetration of natural light and form “focal points” in which the products are presented. Geometries and materialities are used to create a diffuse distribution of light, reminiscent of natural daylight, which finds its way through gaps and bounces off surfaces: an exciting mixture of spatial theory and lighting design.

The first Apple flagship store in Malaysia relies on natural light that streams in through the architecture. The three-dimensional, layered roof of the store radiates a warm light out into the city at night and attracts visitors. The glass dome roof is shaded by slats that are tilted to control the amount of sunlight. A central glass oculus brings soft daylight into the interior and provides dynamic lighting.

The new Jil Sander flagship store is a monolithic space that appears to be formed from a single piece of stone. The focus is on the material, travertine or limestone, whose surface textures and characteristic blue tone are accentuated by the lighting. The soft, natural lighting on the first floor creates a bright, airy atmosphere reminiscent of an artist's studio. The backlit beamed ceiling is an exciting feature. On the lower floor, more restrained lighting was chosen, which was integrated into the dome-shaped cavities in the ceiling. The result is an atmosphere of intimacy.

“Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” is the first British exhibition dedicated to the work of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. It traces the foundation of the house of CHANEL and its iconic design style. The lighting design showcases the objects with their exquisite details, shapes, textures and materials. Visitors not only move through the exhibition, but also through temporal periods of the day from dawn to night – supported by changing lighting concepts. This contributes to a dynamic, atmospheric experience of the exhibits: Storytelling through lighting.

The cannabis store The Travel Agency shines with indirect lighting that emphasizes the soft structures of the interior design. The light or “escapes” from reveals, gaps and openings. The lighting concept emphasizes the spatial character of each store by embedding itself in the architecture. The light “escapes” from reveals, gaps and openings in the room. The product showcases and the immersive spaces at the back of the store can be illuminated in different colors to create an intense, curated experience.

The interior design of Sartiano's restaurant is inspired by a Tuscan wine cellar. The lighting design creates an elegant and exclusive atmosphere, with uplights highlighting the textures of the brick walls. Transparent and reflective materials enhance the effect of the warm light. Industrial domed ceilings allow the light to flow into the room like a “night sky”. In the bar area, various light sources – from the illuminated bar fascia to the highlighted liquor shelves – create a harmonious composition. Reflections in the mirrored columns playfully distort the room, while accent lighting draws attention to each individual table arrangement.

Tamba celebrates the flavors and diversity of West Africa. The lighting design contributes to the vibrant and intimate restaurant atmosphere. The use of 2300K super warm color temperature throughout the integrated linear lighting of the space enhances the inviting and cozy ambiance, enveloping guests in a soft, golden light. The use of 2700K with CRI 95 on the tables highlights the vibrant colors of the food and emphasizes the fine details of the décor.

An opulent, multi-layered maharaja's palace was created from a historic, listed London dining room dating back to 1874. The art of lighting design consisted of highlighting the individual restaurant and bar areas and numerous decorative layers in order to visually depict the diversity and harmony. As the historic building structure is a listed building, lighting systems were not allowed to be attached to it. Various ceiling and wall panels as well as the grid-shaped arcades above the seating areas were used to mount the lighting. The lighting concept draws attention to the warm colors and different materials that make up the interior design.

Coqodaq's dark, opulent dining room incorporates Art Nouveau elements as well as interpretations of traditional Korean designs. A warm bronze mirror, reflecting the restaurant's egg-shaped logo, illuminates the room in a flattering light. The long flight of the dining room is accented by a series of illuminated “ghost arches” made of cast glass and bronze metal, adding a unique architectural touch. Theater lights along the banquettes add excitement, while a mirrored wall at the end of the room creates an intriguing infinity effect. The light levels are calibrated to set the restaurant in different moods – from lunch to dinner to late night.