Lighting defines how a space is shaped into a visual realm. Studying the dynamics of how a viewer perceives a space and composing a visual layering of elements through virtues and qualities of lighting is vital in the process of shaping a public space. Symbolism in a minimalist way is the spirit of the space.
India gate and Chhatri are inherent parts of this memorial. Lighting should connect both these icons to the memorial through the visual axis accentuation. Lighting is not only about what is lit but also is about the designed darkness that creates adequate contrast for the visual composition.
India gate can have a powerful highlight on the inside of the arch as it is the axis definition, whereas the top tiers are very subtle for form modelling. Chhatri can have its underside lit up with similar strong highlight as that of India gate to visually connect them.
Ashoka Pillar’s capital is an important part of Indian symbolism and identity and it gets a highlight with in-ground adjustable spots. The water body is intentionally kept dark as a negative highlight and still water looks visually powerful when it is dark. Ramp and step is the next in the visual axis and the edge where the ramp meets the step is very softly lit that it defines the contour and also is an attribute of safety.
The second in the hierarchy of layering the axis are the edges. The vertical walls adjoining the lotus pond, vertical water fall adjoining the memorial and the colonnade that adjoins the wall of honour are the edges. Soft linear grazer uplight at the vertical wall @ ramp and linear waterfall @ memorial are the linear edge definition. Each of the column has a vertical slit that is lit with a spot provides a vertical rhythm.
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- Second Prize winning entry for National War Memorial - Stage 2 by PSP Design. Chennai: PSP Design, 2017.