Amardeep M. Dugar, PhD | Victoria University of Wellington (original) (raw)

Magazine Articles by Amardeep M. Dugar, PhD

Lighting Today, 2023

Simple yet stylised lighting is used throughout the hotel right from the façade to all its interi... more Simple yet stylised lighting is used throughout the hotel right from the façade to all its interiors so as to provide a unified look of tradition and modernity.

Lighting Design and Applications, 2022

Branding is typically visible through business cards, logos and witty advertising. However, Shar... more Branding is typically visible through business cards, logos and witty advertising.
However, Sharmila Kumbhat, director of luminaire manufacturing company K-Lite
Industries, is of the belief that office design, including lighting, has a dramatic impact
on brand perception too. That philosophy is evident in the new K-Lite Action Centre in
Chennai, India, which was overhauled to reinforce the company’s work culture, attract
fresh talent and demonstrate its corporate philosophy to clients.

Smart Home World, 2021

Dr Amardeep M. Dugar runs us through the mission and vision of International Association of Light... more Dr Amardeep M. Dugar runs us through the mission and vision of International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)

Lighting Design and Application, 2021

Two different color palettes help a residence in India balance cultural heritage and the modern w... more Two different color palettes help a residence in India balance cultural heritage and the modern world

LED Professional Review, 2020

‘Optimum White LEDs’ was a collaborative research study to find the optimum lighting for green wa... more ‘Optimum White LEDs’ was a collaborative research study to find the optimum lighting for green walls by testing white LED light sources of different Spectral Power Distributions (SPDs). ’Optimum’ lighting here means fluence and spectrum that is biologically effective to keep green walls healthy and maintenance free, as well as visually effective to provide them with the most natural appearance. The experimental set-up consisted of three green walls illuminated with three different SPDs, for a period of 5 months from September 2019 to January 2020. Plant health in terms of leaf and stem growth patterns was monitored and documented at the end of the 5-month period. User appreciation tests via semi-structured interviews with a statistically significant number of student participants from UCL, along with other participating lighting professionals and architects were performed.

ArtLight Magazine, 2020

Iván Navarro -Light rooted in sinister blackness | Steve Pavlovsky -Psychedelic blobs and swirly ... more Iván Navarro -Light rooted in sinister blackness | Steve Pavlovsky -Psychedelic blobs and swirly patterns in light | The blurring light of the in-between | The Lightparcours in Braunschweig | CODAworx Award -Commissioned Art Matters | SOLARIS -The adits of the castle mount | serve as a metaphor for the exhibition | Johannes S. Sistermanns -ma meta [Marl] | IALD -Enlighten Architecture | Hanging Gardens -Finding the optimum light source for illuminating | green walls | Daylight Award -There is no architecture without daylight | Light against Corona | Art reception: The power of algorithms | The coronavirus is shaking up the world's art market | Essen Light Festival -Saving the world |

arc Magazine, 2020

MGM Healthcare was inspired by a “health-caring movement” that looks to redefine the patient expe... more MGM Healthcare was inspired by a “health-caring movement” that looks to redefine the patient experience through design, expertise, technology and
environmental sustainability.

Lighting Design and Application, 2020

Specialized lighting supports the comprehensive mission of a new hospital in India

Lighting India, 2020

E xponential growth in multiple technologies including Bluetooth mesh, real-time data, Internet o... more E xponential growth in multiple technologies including Bluetooth mesh, real-time data, Internet of Things (IoT), Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), etc. are forcing rapid transformation in the way lighting is being designed. This article however , orientates lighting design towards a unique form of creative activism-that promotes a culture of largo without adhering to the time constraints of economic or technological growth, while delivering pluralistic values of wellbeing and sustainability for design-called 'Slow Design.' Slow does not dispute the fact that actual fastness or speed can be good or useful. Rather than opposing helpful speed, slow stands against unnecessary acceleration and aggressive rapidity in action, against our habitual thought of what time is and how it should be utilised. The article explores how the principles of slow design can be applied in this fast-paced world of IoT and Connected Lighting, so as to find fresh qualities in lighting design research, ideation, processes and outcomes.

Lighting Design and Application, 2019

The lighting for a new Courtyard by Marriott had to meet the corporate standard. But that didn’t ... more The lighting for a new Courtyard by Marriott had to meet the corporate standard. But that didn’t limit its design flair.

LED World, 2019

LIGHTING IS A CRUCIAL COMPONENT OF HOSPITALITY BUSINESS, AND WITH THE TOURISM INDUSTRY BOOMING I... more LIGHTING IS A CRUCIAL COMPONENT OF HOSPITALITY BUSINESS, AND WITH
THE TOURISM INDUSTRY BOOMING IN THE COUNTRY, THE NEED TO INNOVATE
IN BOTH FAÇADE AND INTERIOR LIGHTING HAS GAINED PRIORITY. HOTELS ARE
FOCUSED ON CREATING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES FOR THEIR GUESTS IN ORDER TO
ENSURE CUSTOMER LOYALTY, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, REDUCING COSTS AND
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS.

LED World, 2018

Reprint of article published in Lighting India

Lighting India, 2018

The innovative design and guest experience of Hyatt Place Rameshwaram sets a new benchmark for t... more The innovative design and guest experience of Hyatt Place Rameshwaram sets a new
benchmark for the select-service industry. It welcomed its first guests on March 2017, bringing bespoke luxury to the historic city of Rameshwaram.

LED World, 2017

This article is primarily based on a lecture presented by Dr. Amardeep M Dugar at the LED Expo Th... more This article is primarily based on a lecture presented by Dr. Amardeep M Dugar at the LED Expo Thailand 2017, Bangkok. While he has not authored the article, some of his works along with other publications are used as references for describing the role of lighting as a vital component in urban redevelopment.

Lighting Today, 2023

Lighting Design and Applications, 2022

Smart Home World, 2021

Lighting Design and Application, 2021

LED Professional Review, 2020

ArtLight Magazine, 2020

arc Magazine, 2020

Lighting Design and Application, 2020

Specialized lighting supports the comprehensive mission of a new hospital in India

Lighting India, 2020

Lighting Design and Application, 2019

LED World, 2019

LED World, 2018

Reprint of article published in Lighting India

Lighting India, 2018

LED World, 2017

International Journal of Sustainable Lighting, 2021

This paper aims to derive a design framework for dovetailing darkness and light while planning ou... more This paper aims to derive a design framework for dovetailing darkness and light while planning outdoor spaces using the concept of pragmatic utopia. Pragmatic utopia is a sustainable design movement characterized by an inclusive outlook towards ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable design. Ideological concepts of pragmatic utopian lighting design derived from literature are presented via their criteria for expanding sustainable lighting. Values of darkness derived from literature are presented via their spatial characteristics and temporal outlook. These ideological lighting concepts are then systematically matched with the darkness values to develop a dark-light design framework that can be used as a guidance tool for analysing and designing outdoor spaces with darkness and light. The applicability of this framework is tested by analysing three popular outdoor lighting projects that have addressed critical issues such as biodiversity protection, darkness preservation, heritage conservation, and social interaction as case studies. The objective is to use this framework for improving the ecological, economical, and socio-cultural fabric of outdoor spaces with carefully planned darkness and lighting.

The International Journal of Visual Design, 2022

This study explores the role of lighting in creating photogenic spaces. Photogenic spaces are int... more This study explores the role of lighting in creating photogenic spaces. Photogenic spaces are intentionally created spaces within commercial spaces for inviting and stimulating users to shoot and share photographs on social media. Lighting plays a significant role in a photogenic space by creating specific spatial experiences and visual imagery for shooting photographs. The study uses measurable indicators in lighting to define the photogenic space through contrast between the subject and its background. Relevant theories about lighting in photogenic spaces are identified from literature reviews. These theories are used to analyze the existing lighting conditions of a commercial space selected as case study as well as propose suitable design interventions to add photogenic value. Comparative user responses are obtained for the existing and post-design intervention lighting conditions using online survey questionnaires. The results of this study show that photogenic spaces can be created within commercial spaces by the appropriate use of color temperature, direction, distribution and intensity of lighting.

International Journal of Horticultural & Crop Science Research, 2019

Specific blue-red spectrum LED light sources have generally been used for horticultural lighting ... more Specific blue-red spectrum LED light sources have generally been used for horticultural lighting applications within interior environments. However, this small-scale qualitative pilot study comparing two plant-growth profiles reports that white LED light sources normally used for architectural lighting applications are biologically and visually more effective for horticultural lighting applications within interior environments. First profile involved three vegetable species namely, lettuce, parsley and tomato under three LED light spectrums-specific blue-red spectrum (460+630+660nm), full-range blue-red-white spectrum (380-730nm), and white full-spectrum (400-750nm). Second profile involved a collection of ornamental plant species under two colour temperatures of white LED light-warm-white (3000-kelvin) and neutral-white (4000-kelvin). Overall observations suggest that spectral properties of white LEDs, which mimic certain qualities of natural sunlight, have more advantages over blue-red LEDs such as stimulating plant metabolism for improved growth and better health, while rendering a natural appearance to plants. These observations may encourage the use of white LED light sources for both architectural and horticultural lighting applications within interior environments.

Light and Engineering, 2019

This small-scale pilot study investigates peoples’ short-term chromatic adaptation preferences fo... more This small-scale pilot study investigates peoples’ short-term chromatic adaptation preferences for correlated colour temperature [CCT] within the cultural context of India. CCT [white tone] preferences were investigated using a spectrally tunable LED lighting system. A mock-up room was built and illuminated with two LED luminaires. Each LED luminaire has 216 clusters, with each cluster comprising three LEDs of CCTs 3000K, 4000K and 6500K [total of 648 LEDs]. User preference studies in a generic environment were conducted with 50 Indian subjects, where each subject performed generic everyday activities [reading, watching TV, eating and relaxing] while being totally immersed in three different scenes of 3000K, 4000K and 6500K. The study shows 6500K is the least preferred CCT, and 4000K is preferred for task-oriented activities such as reading and eating. Furthermore, subjects are unable to differentiate between 3000K and 4000K while performing non-task-oriented activities such as relaxing and watching TV.

Lighting Research & Technology, Aug 23, 2018

Architectural lighting design is generally believed to have visual and psychological consequences... more Architectural lighting design is generally believed to have visual and psychological consequences on humans, and has been investigated either as an artistic or a scientific endeavour. This paper explores the possibility that these two viewpoints are not mutually exclusive with a poetic approach. It builds upon two arguments: the first is that poetry, being an inherently compositional system like language, impacts the perceived meaning of lit environments; the second is that humans seek qualities with experiential richness when interacting with lit environments, which is very much aligned with poetry. This reasoning is supplemented by reflections on the poetic possibilities within realised projects used as simple artistic and scientific case studies to demonstrate this complex visual and psychological interplay. Opinions from academics and professionals from the field of architectural lighting design are sought on these poetic possibilities, the appropriateness of these realised projects in expressing their respective qualities, and on the role of poetics in architectural lighting design in general.

Journal of Light and Visual Environment, Nov 30, 2013

This paper aims to identify end-user requirements that help improve the effectiveness of lighting... more This paper aims to identify end-user requirements that help improve the effectiveness of lighting control systems. The crucial question posed is, what is the nature of interface designs sought by end-users for maximising interaction with lighting control systems? Literatures from the most influential studies on interactive systems are reviewed to list end-user requirements in the order of three stages of human interface with technology: Recognition, Exploration and Reliance. Results of two interactive studies with end-users are then reviewed to validate this list of requirements. The objective is to provide perspectives and themes for analysis, as well as conceptual guidance for designing lighting control interfaces that are easier to understand and use for end-users.

LEUKOS, Jan 1, 2012

This paper aims to design a prototype tangible user interface (TUI) for lighting control, and te... more This paper aims to design a prototype tangible user interface
(TUI) for lighting control, and test its usability and end-user experience against a prototype conventional interface. Usability is concerned with easier understanding of control functions. End-user experience is concerned with explicating the quality of end-users’ experience such as fun and pleasure of use. TUIs that offer end-users freedom of personal expression alongside functional information are proposed as a basis for making lighting control systems easier to understand and more pleasurable to use. Three dominant views on tangible interaction are explored to derive a set of synthesized principles for designing tangible lighting control interfaces. These principles—which determine what end-users should see and do while using lighting control interfaces and provide specific guidelines for enhancing their physical interaction possibilities—are used to design a prototype tangible interface. Several tests were performed to obtain end-user responses towards the usability and end-user experience of the tangible interface as well as a conventional interface. End-user responses obtained from these tests challenge manufacturers’ claims about the effectiveness of conventional lighting control interfaces and reveal a different way of thinking about future interface designs. Such a change in thinking could lead to lighting control interface designs that are easier to understand and more pleasurable to use.

LEUKOS, Oct 1, 2011

This paper aims to describe a framework that formally evaluates end-user interactions with light... more This paper aims to describe a framework that formally
evaluates end-user interactions with lighting control interfaces, the antecedent factors that help form it, and its applications. The framework uses the concept of tangible interaction to distinguish between notions of usability and end-user experience, and argues that both have an impact on the overall effectiveness of lighting control interfaces. Usability is concerned with easier understanding of control functions. End-user experience is concerned with explicating the quality of end-users’ experience such as fun and pleasure of use. Survey research and experimental mock-ups were used to design experiments that enabled end-users to evaluate their own interactions with conventional lighting control interfaces. End-user responses obtained from these experiments challenge manufacturers’ claims about the effectiveness of conventional lighting control interfaces, and reveal a different way of thinking about future interface designs. Such a change in thinking could lead to lighting control interfaces that are easier to understand and more pleasurable to use. A set of measures for future empirical testing is provided that is general enough to allow researchers to create measures for other aspects related to end-user interactions beyond those targeted in this paper.

Lighting Research & Technology, 2010

This paper aims to determine the characteristics of an ideal lighting control system. The notion ... more This paper aims to determine the characteristics of an ideal lighting control system. The notion of designing quality lighting environments that provide rich sensory experiences is used as a fundamental basis. A theoretical premise derived from the realm of interaction design for providing rich sensory experiences is put forward: It focusses on enabling tangible interaction through properties of lighting control systems. Human psycho-physiological processes are examined in order to direct the human interface with lighting controls towards tangible interaction.

Professional Lighting Design Convention (PLDC 2019), 2019

Exponential growth in multiple technologies including Bluetooth mesh, real-time data, Internet of... more Exponential growth in multiple technologies including Bluetooth mesh, real-time data, Internet of Things (IoT), LiFi, etc. are forcing rapid transformation in the way lighting is being designed. This paper however, orientates lighting design towards a unique form of creative activism – that promotes a culture of largo without adhering to the time constraints of economic or technological growth, while delivering pluralistic values of wellbeing and sustainability for design – called ‘Slow design.’

Illuminating Engineering Society Annual Conference , 2019

This poster describes a two-part research, which aims to explore the relationship between archite... more This poster describes a two-part research, which aims to explore the relationship between architectural lighting and horticultural lighting.

National Conference on “Recent trends in Architecture and Civil Engineering towards Energy efficient and Sustainable Developments (NCACESD2019), 2019

This paper reviews ideologies of a sustainable design movement called 'Pragmatic Utopia' and pres... more This paper reviews ideologies of a sustainable design movement called 'Pragmatic Utopia' and presents a parallel lighting movement of the same name. Pragmatic utopia is a term that was first coined by architect and bioregional planner Davidya Kasperzyk, and further developed by architect Bjarke Ingels of the world-renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG) to describe an architectural style that seeks a perfect world through design tempered by reality. The paper aims to identify and learn from what has been observed about pragmatic utopia so as to inspire practicing lighting designers.

Professional Lighting Design Convention (PLDC 2017), 2017

This paper attempts to establish the inclination of a population towards light colour temperature... more This paper attempts to establish the inclination of a population towards light colour temperature within the multicultural context of India. Being an exploratory study, the paper intends to discover how factors such as acculturation, ethnicity, geographic location, religion and socio-economic status influence the light colour temperature selection within a culturally rich country such as India. The paper aims to understand how light colour temperatures are perceived by Indian people belonging to different demographics, ethnicities and religions. The main contribution of this paper will be to widen the base of knowledge, which can be used as reference material by decision and policy-makers as well as consumers while doling out government-led schemes for LED light sources.

IES Annual Conference 2017, Aug 2017

This paper develops a basis for designing an interactive lighting installation that will help stu... more This paper develops a basis for designing an interactive lighting installation that will help study, assess and report the impact of light with Spectral Power Densities [SPDs] matching the various human photoreceptors' peak-sensitivity wavelengths upon human psycho-physiological wellbeing and behavioral patterns. The photoreceptors and their respective peak sensitivity wavelengths being considered here are the L-cones [564nm], M-cones [533nm], rods [507nm], iPRGC [480nm] and Scones [437nm]. The aim is to determine whether factors affecting human psychophysiological wellbeing such as cognitive function, memory, creativity, stress management, and focus are affected by using light of various SPDs, and how this information can be used in designing lighted environments for specific applications.

India International Science Fest 2016 - Young Scientists Conclave

Lighting has an overall impact on the orientation, safety, use and visual quality of urban nightt... more Lighting has an overall impact on the orientation, safety, use and visual quality of urban nighttime environments. While fulfilling technical and security requirements – facilitating movement and illuminating dark areas – lighting also serves basic social and aesthetic functions by influencing how cities are used and perceived by people. As India is striving towards creating smarter cities that are both safe and sophisticated for its citizens, the importance of lighting design in improving the vitality of these cities requires critical attention. Development planning for smart cities requires academic research that identifies best practice case studies on urban lighting. Methods: Methods include identification of basic urban lighting strategies by a literature review and analysis of urban lighting policies of well-lit cities around the world, followed by a systematic observation of urban nighttime environments in these cities. The aim is to answer three fundamental research questions: What qualities of urban lighting are critical to establish inviting public realms within smart cities? How should urban-lit elements within smart cities be perceived and interpreted by people so as to be termed as smart cities? What recommendations can be offered for the development and coordination of urban lighting masterplans for smart cities? Results: Eight common themes emerged from the literature review and analysis namely: 1. Identity and Heritage – establishing an urban identity by illuminating perceptible or latent heritage components or characteristics 2. Image and Elements – creating an image by illuminating key urban elements 3. Environmental Considerations – exploring and implementing smart and sustainable luminaire technologies 4. Shadow, Darkness and Mystery – recognizing the benefits and opportunities of contrasting dark and illuminated spaces 5. Illumination Levels, Skyglow, Over-lighting and Glare – recognizing and reducing the negative impacts of over illumination 6. Colour, Sound, Motion and Art – exploring multi-media tools to enhance short-and long-term lighting installations 7. Safety and Connectivity – increasing the perceived safety and ease of travel through connected lighting 8. Collaboration, Innovation, Research and Monitoring – furthering the urban lighting field by engaging with stakeholders, monitoring existing lighting projects and exploring future possibilities Conclusion: The results show that by instituting detailed design objectives for urban lighting at the planning stage coupled with thorough monitoring of existing installations to understand where improvements can be made, increases the likelihood of successfully designing smart cities.

This opinion paper identifies design, application, technology and innovation as the key elements ... more This opinion paper identifies design, application, technology and innovation as the key elements of lighting practice. It observes the critical paradigms within these elements and analyses their impact on current lighting practice. As practicing lighting designers we have used our collective experience in the field to demonstrate the role of these elements, especially in the context of the Indian market.

IES Annual Conference 2015

This paper aims to provide a lighting design approach with the potential for poetic richness. It ... more This paper aims to provide a lighting design approach with the potential for poetic richness. It builds upon two arguments: the first argument is that poetry being an inherently compositional system like language, impacts the perceived meaning of lighted environments; the second argument is that people seek qualities with experiential richness when interacting with lighted environments, which is very much aligned with poetry. Principles of poetic lighting design are used to help people experience the richness of the underlying messages of built environments as well as interpret them in a unanimous fashion. Architectural lighting design is generally believed to have various visual and psychological consequences on people, and has therefore been investigated either as an artistic or a scientific endeavor. The paper attempts to explore the possibility that these two viewpoints are not mutually exclusive, but form a discourse between thought and feeling. This reasoning is supplemented by reflections on the poetic possibilities within realized lighting design projects, which are used as simple artistic and scientific case studies to demonstrate this complex visual and psychological interplay of lighting on people.

Professional Lighting Design Convention (PLDC 2015), 2015

This paper aims to provide guidelines for transferring design research to practice in the realm o... more This paper aims to provide guidelines for transferring design research to practice in the realm of lighting. It is based on the premise that design research in lighting should function as a development of practice, instead of being a distraction to it.

Lighting Design And Application, May 1, 2014

Architect Bjarke Ingels coined the term pragmatic utopian to describe a modern architectural move... more Architect Bjarke Ingels coined the term pragmatic utopian to describe a modern architectural movement larger than just his BIG firm. It seeks a perfect world through design tempered with a practical approach to reality. We can describe a methodology for lighting design governed by the same principles. Energy codes encourage sophisticated controls that allow interesting and interactive lighting scenes as well as enable peak load shedding. Bridge lighting can be designed such that it inspires individuals to park their cars and walk. The methodology can be applied on a micro or macro scale. Case studies are reviewed to articulate this theory.

Architect & Interior India, Feb 2015

An international architectural lighting seminar, Lights in Goa served up some brilliant insights... more An international architectural lighting seminar, Lights in Goa
served up some brilliant insights to the design community.

PLDC 2013 Proceedings

This paper aims to determine organisational structures and processes for establishing and maintai... more This paper aims to determine organisational structures and processes for establishing and maintaining successful industry-university collaborations in the field of lighting. It is based on the premise that lighting industry-university collaborations can successfully translate creative ideas in lighting into new innovations.

Annual Conference

This paper aims to identify end-user requirements that help improve the effectiveness of lighting... more This paper aims to identify end-user requirements that help improve the effectiveness of lighting control systems. The crucial question posed is, what is the nature of interface designs sought by end-users for maximising interaction with lighting control systems? Literatures from the most influential studies on interactive systems are reviewed to list end-user requirements in the order of three stages of human interface with technology: Recognition, Exploration and Reliance. Results of two interactive studies with end-users are then reviewed to validate this list of requirements. The objective is to provide perspectives and themes for analysing, as well as conceptual guidance for designing lighting control interfaces that are easier to understand and more pleasurable to use for end-users.

‘Tangible lighting control interface’ is used as an umbrella term to describe lighting control in... more ‘Tangible lighting control interface’ is used as an umbrella term to describe lighting control interfaces that are easier to understand and more pleasurable to use. Four research articles that form a part of a PhD project are reviewed, to demonstrate a strategy that provides corrective measures to designs of conventional lighting control interfaces and/or ideas for future tangible lighting control interfaces. The crucial question posed is, what is the nature of interface designs sought by end-users for maximising interaction with lighting control systems? The manner in which this question is posed implies a fundamental assumption that improved usability and end-user experience are the primary goals.

Professional Lighting Design Convention 2009, Oct 2009

While global building activity has opened up new opportunities in the lighting industry, it has a... more While global building activity has opened up new opportunities in the lighting industry, it has also left a void for qualified professional lighting designers. Education establishments
are working towards filling this void by offering several competent lighting-related courses to interested candidates and updating them to be abreast with the market situation. Amidst this tug-of-war between meeting the market need for qualified lighting professionals every year and offering competent courses, one area that requires added attention is research-based lighting education. As lighting educators and practicing professionals are attempting to establish and develop lighting design as a discipline that moves beyond mere professional
education and embraces ideas of scientific discovery and academic rigour, we propose to re-examine the underlying assumptions on which such a process might be based.

The ‘non-visual’ effects of light involving human photo-biological and emotional health, are incr... more The ‘non-visual’ effects of light involving human photo-biological and emotional health, are increasingly gaining currency in the field of architectural lighting. Although research defines lighting characteristics to meet the visual and photo-biological needs of individuals, the complexity of lighting for the emotional needs is not yet understood. As this complexity spurs from the great variability in human response, it is
important to find a stable positive framework that is perceived as such by the majority of people. This article proposes a framework, for outlining an integrated set of interior lighting characteristics to meet the requirements for visual and ‘non-visual’ systems.

Lighting - Art & Science for International Designers, Apr 2010

Building Use Studies conclude that the mere perception of having control increases user satisfact... more Building Use Studies conclude that the mere perception of having control increases user satisfaction i.e. giving end-users a level of control becomes imperative in the provision of “Quality Lighting.” The IESNA Lighting Handbook states that lighting controls in buildings are installed to provide end-users with aesthetic and energy management control over the electric lighting system. This research however goes a step further in exploring the phenomenon of end-user interaction with lit spaces through lighting controls. In this study of user-controlled interactive electric lighting, focus will be on personalised control. While in theory there is a general agreement about the benefits of personal controls, practice demonstrates difficulty in embracing and consistently using them. Studies reveal that an expensive, well-planned lighting control system may be turned off, or users do not know how to use it. The complexity of modern control interfaces is cited as one of the reasons for the reduced acceptability and usability of lighting control systems. As new interfaces emerge for personalised lighting control, formal user studies are needed to evaluate their interactivity and usability, which in turn relies on their affordance. The research presents a framework and key characteristics for developing interactive and user-friendly lighting control
interfaces.

Professional Lighting Design Convention 2007

Lighting of interior and exterior environments is normally designed to be functionally supportive... more Lighting of interior and exterior environments is normally designed to be functionally supportive while eliminating or minimising any sources of sensory discomfort or distraction. This parochial approach very often leads to “sense-deprived” designs that fail to provide stimulating environments that are a pleasure to work in. This is so because lighting can enhance the
visual component in a way that complements and extends
the overall sensory experience. Unfortunately,
sensory richness is achieved as a by-product of lighting
of surfaces rather than this titivation being the focus
of lighting design. Seeing that research that would support lighting design for its sensory richness is quite complex and requires an interdisciplinary approach, it is often left uncharted.

This paper positions Building Integrated Photo-voltaic (BIPV) systems in a manner that is archite... more This paper positions Building Integrated Photo-voltaic (BIPV) systems in a manner that is architecturally and aesthetically pleasing within a holistic approach towards sustainability. In doing so, it has coined the concept of Architecture Integrated Photo-voltaic (AIPV) systems that have the potential to redefine the ‘look’ of sustainable buildings. The paper also reveals a fact that PV is an excellent device for heat control, apart from generating renewable energy. The following are discussed:
• A showcase for AIPV in the aesthetic embellishment of the building envelope
• Strategic and practical applications for AIPV on the building envelope
• AIPV systems for heat control

Lighting, 2017

Lighting (Illumination in Architecture) aims to inspire and explain by drawing on the present, th... more Lighting (Illumination in Architecture) aims to inspire and explain by drawing
on the present, the past and, of course, the future of lighting design. Once
again we are looking forward and taking an informed guess at who will lead
the profession in years to come, by identifying 40 rising stars under 40
years old. Of course, it is a sample from the pool of talent that the industry
draws on, which is growing continually as appreciation of lighting design
deepens around the world. Every continent, bar Antarctica, is represented
on this year’s list, and although formal lighting education is very much in
evidence, the men and women on it have entered lighting design from many
directions and disciplines. Art, academia and automotive design are just
a few. What they have in common is a desire to share their knowledge, as
activists – in their regional chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society
of North America or the International Association of Lighting Designers, for
example – presenting at conferences, taking part in light festivals and, above
all, mentoring and supporting colleagues. The most effective propaganda for
lighting design is their work, their creativity and the benefits that they deliver
by designing with light and for people. Once considered narrow and arcane,
lighting design has joined the mainstream and itself demands a broad mix
of skills, from conceptualising to collaboration, computer simulation to
commissioning. It is significant, though, that so many of the 40 Under 40
have begun by studying architecture before being led by curiosity,
opportunity or artistic intent into designing with and through light – that
fundamental source of energy and experience. Neils Bohr (among many)
is credited with saying, ‘it is difficult to make predictions, especially about
the future,’ but we are confident that this year’s 40 Under 40 will cast
a long shadow – albeit only where they intend to.

mondo*arc India, Jan 2017

Presenting at the recently held India International Science Festival - Young Scientists’ Conclave... more Presenting at the recently held India International Science Festival - Young Scientists’ Conclave (8-11 December 2016), Amardeep M Dugar bagged the first position for his research on the role of lighting in creating smarter cities. He shares with us the abstract of the winning paper.

Dr. Amardeep M.Dugar awarded first place at the IndiaInternational Science Festival 2016 - Young ... more Dr. Amardeep M.Dugar awarded first place at the IndiaInternational Science Festival 2016 - Young ScientistsConclave, New Delhi, 9-11 December 2016.

mondo*arc India, Jun 2017

mondo*arc India, Feb 2017

mondo*arc India, Jul 2016

mondo*arc India, Jun 2016

mondo*arc India, Apr 6, 2016

Description of a workshop conducted in Chennai, India for architecture students on lighting design.

mondo*arc, 2012

A lighting workshop has recently taken place in India to educate students and professionals alike.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jan 9, 2019

This paper reviews ideologies of a sustainable design movement called 'Pragmatic Utopia' and pres... more This paper reviews ideologies of a sustainable design movement called 'Pragmatic Utopia' and presents a parallel lighting movement of the same name. Pragmatic utopia is a term coined by architect Bjarke Ingels architecture firm Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG) to describe an architectural style that seeks a perfect world through design tempered by reality. The paper aims to identify and learn from what has been observed about pragmatic utopia so inspire practicing lighting designers.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Aug 29, 2019

Specific blue-red spectrum LED light sources have generally been used for horticultural lighting ... more Specific blue-red spectrum LED light sources have generally been used for horticultural lighting applications within interior environments. However, this small-scale qualitative pilot study comparing two plant-growth profiles reports that white LED light sources normally used for architectural lighting applications are biologically and visually more effective for horticultural lighting applications within interior environments. First profile involved three vegetable species namely, lettuce, parsley and tomato under three LED light spectrumsspecific blue-red spectrum (460+630+660nm), full-range bluered-white spectrum (380-730nm), and white full-spectrum (400-750nm). Second profile involved a collection of ornamental plant species under two colour temperatures of white LED lightwarm-white (3000-kelvin) and neutral-white (4000-kelvin). Overall observations suggest that spectral properties of white LEDs, which mimic certain qualities of natural sunlight, have more advantages over blue-red LEDs such as stimulating plant metabolism for improved growth and better health, while rendering a natural appearance to plants. These observations may encourage the use of white LED light sources for both architectural and horticultural lighting applications within interior environments.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Nov 28, 2021

Tangible Lighting Controls Page iii ABSTRACT 'Tangible lighting controls' is used as an umbrella ... more Tangible Lighting Controls Page iii ABSTRACT 'Tangible lighting controls' is used as an umbrella term to describe lighting control systems that are easy to understand and pleasurable to use by end-users. The crucial question posed is, what is the nature of interface designs sought by end-users for maximising interaction with lighting control systems? The manner in which this question is posed implies a fundamental assumption that improved usability and end-user experience are the primary goals. The concept of end-user understanding of lighting control interfaces is proposed as a basis for improving the usability and end-user experience of lighting control interfaces. Usability engineering methods involving survey research, experimental mock-ups and prototyping have been used to enable end-users to design and evaluate lighting control interfaces. The essential difference is to include end-users' point of view about ease of understanding control functions and pleasure of performing control tasks along with a technical point of view about meeting required standards. Manufacturers' claims about the effectiveness of existing lighting control interfaces are challenged, and an entirely different way of thinking about interface design is revealed. Such a change of thinking may be seen as a new framework for improved designs of lighting control interfaces as well as evaluation of their usability and end-user experience.

This study demonstrates the possibility of growing green walls in normal commercial building envi... more This study demonstrates the possibility of growing green walls in normal commercial building environments with lighting designed primarily for aesthetic reasons, rather than the promotion of plant growth. Lighting is a key resource required for the growth and maintenance of robust green walls within interior environments. The study evaluated the appearance and growth of green walls with electric lighting used primarily for aesthetic reasons. Three identical green walls with six different plants were illuminated using three different white LED light sources for a period of five months. Plant health was monitored and documented in terms of growth patterns. One hundred and six subjects appraised the appearance of the walls using questionnaires. Findings of this study indicate that it is indeed possible to grow and maintain green walls in normal commercial building environments with lighting designed for aesthetic reasons. Further, it was observed that the selection of the correct plant species for the green walls is important to ensure plant health.

Journal of Light & Visual Environment, 2013

Light & engineering, Feb 1, 2019

This small-scale pilot study investigates peoples’ shortterm chromatic adaptation preferences for... more This small-scale pilot study investigates peoples’ shortterm chromatic adaptation preferences for correlated colour temperature (CCT) within the cultural context of India. White tone CCT preferences were investigated using a spectrally tuneable LED lighting system. A mock-up room was built and illuminated with two LED luminaires. Each LED luminaire has 216 clusters and each cluster comprising three LED with CCT equal respectively to 3000 K, 4000 K and 6500 K (total 648 LEDs per luminaire). User preference studies in a generic environment were conducted with 50 Indian subjects, where each subject performed generic everyday activities, such as reading, watching TV, eating and relaxing, while being totally immersed in three different scenes of 3000 K, 4000 K and 6500 K. The study shows 6500 K is the least preferred CCT, and 4000 K is preferred for task-oriented activities such as reading and eating. Furthermore, subjects are unable to differentiate between 3000 K and 4000 K while performing non-task-oriented activities such as relaxing and watching TV.

Lighting Research & Technology, Aug 23, 2016

Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering, Jun 22, 2023

This study aims to reduce the lighting energy consumption in educational buildings while avoiding... more This study aims to reduce the lighting energy consumption in educational buildings while avoiding an increase in cooling load. The Faculty of Engineering building in Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia is used as a case study. Daylight optimization can have an impact on lighting energy, which is the largest energy consumer in educational buildings. However, given Indonesia's tropical climate, daylight leading to heat gain is a concern. Current passive design interventions for controlling daylight and heat gain include light shelves, clerestories, and glazing materials. Daylighting performance is simulated using DIALux software. Results of each intervention are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by theories and parameters, namely illuminance level, light uniformity, and overall thermal transfer value (OTTV). Light shelves result in increased uniformity and lower OTTV. Clerestories result in increased average illuminance but higher OTTV. Active intervention with a dimming and grouping system is applied after daylight increases. The combination of passive design interventions and active dimming of electric lights reduces lighting energy with the same OTTV as existing. This study recommends the use of passive and active daylighting strategies considering their effect on the cooling load of buildings.

The term 'biodynamic' lighting is proposed as a term to capture the true aspiration of 'life-cent... more The term 'biodynamic' lighting is proposed as a term to capture the true aspiration of 'life-centric' lighting: good human and nonhuman outcomes for all life-sustaining behaviours on earth driven by good design for phototropism, phototaxis, photoperiodism and circadian entrainment. While future studies are necessary to consolidate this aspiration, it is clear that lighting has immediate potential to better support planetary health. As many aspects of animal, human and plant behaviour and survival are being perturbed by widespread exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN), lighting professionals are in the middle, attempting to make design decisions that directly affect these life forms. This paper empowers readers with fundamental understandings of how light information is used by these life forms in a way crucial for development, growth and survival. The paper then provides a process for life-centric lighting design by drawing inspiration from an existing process for human-centric lighting design which can dovetail with decision-making processes that are within the workflow of lighting professionals. Holistic consideration of life-centric lighting design should look beyond altruism and romanticism by firmly rooting itself into pragmatism about long-term considerations for planetary health. Key references are consolidated and synthesized with goals of supporting knowledge translation into pragmatic lighting strategies in a manner useful for lighting professionals. While the scientific community remains sceptical about the term 'biodynamic'-which is argued to be developed through mysticism instead of scientific methodology-this paper counter argues that with appropriate use, the term has the potential to comprehensively capture this aspiration.

Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering, Jun 16, 2022

This study investigates the impact of Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) and Shading Coefficients (SC) as... more This study investigates the impact of Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) and Shading Coefficients (SC) as passive design strategies to optimise daylight in an opaque brick Double-Skin Façade (DSF) of an education building in Depok, Indonesia. A sample education building was simulated with DiaLux software for calculating the daylight distribution due to WWR on a daily basis during normal office hours. The optimum amount of window size and glazing were investigated for a typical floor plate area of 315.16m2. WWR was considered from 30% to 60% at 10% intervals in a horizontal and vertical expanding method of window. The simulations were performed in two sky conditions (sunny sky and standard CIE overcast sky) on different dates using glazing material of different SC. The primary findings of this study are that 40% WWR with SC 0.42 and 60% WWR with SC 0.95 achieve the best results for the north and south façade respectively of a DSF building.

Leukos, Oct 1, 2011

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Lighting Research & Technology, Apr 13, 2011

This paper aims to establish lighting as a key facilitator in the placemaking processes for World... more This paper aims to establish lighting as a key facilitator in the placemaking processes for World Heritage Sites. Placemaking is a process of designing, managing, planning and programming the development of shared public spaces within the urban fabric. Research methods inspired from ethnography such as interviews, observations and questionnaires are used to gather data from three main groups of people related to the lighting of World Heritage Sites namely: heritage experts, lighting designers, and locals and visitors. Two UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites are investigated as case studies: Saint-Avit-Sénieur in Dordogne, France and Naghshe-Jahan-Square in Isfahan, Iran. Thematic analysis of the data collected from these investigations reveal key lighting characteristics and lighting design considerations that can facilitate the placemaking process for World Heritage Sites. The lighting characteristics include: avoiding over-lighting, overly theatrical lighting and uniform lighting; balancing floodlighting; preventing glare; providing flexible and harmonious lighting. The lighting design considerations include: accounting meanings and values; amplifying narratives; balancing genders; building attraction and excitement; creating layers; enhancing atmospheres; ensuring safety; improving functionality; offering interpretations; and supporting activities.

With the advent of electricity and electrically activated light sources, work has become increasi... more With the advent of electricity and electrically activated light sources, work has become increasingly independent of daylight. This move towards artificial light sources has led to the alienation of our natural predetermined circadian rhythms and has been imbibed so well in our daily lives that it appears that we have forgotten previous diurnal cycles. And yet, despite numerous technical innovations and developments, daylight is still preferred to artificial light – a fact that continues to baffle many experienced lighting specialists, especially those with an engineering background.

&#39;Tangible lighting controls&#39; is used as an umbrella term to describe ligh... more &#39;Tangible lighting controls&#39; is used as an umbrella term to describe lighting control systems that are easy to understand and pleasurable to use by end-users. The crucial question posed is, what is the nature of interface designs sought by end-users for maximising interaction with lighting control systems? The manner in which this question is posed implies a fundamental assumption that improved usability and end-user experience are the primary goals. The concept of end-user understanding of lighting control interfaces is proposed as a basis for improving the usability and end-user experience of lighting control interfaces. Usability engineering methods involving survey research, experimental mock-ups and prototyping have been used to enable end-users to design and evaluate lighting control interfaces. The essential difference is to include end-users&#39; point of view about ease of understanding control functions and pleasure of performing control tasks along with a technical point of view about meeting required standards. Manufacturers&#39; claims about the effectiveness of existing lighting control interfaces are challenged, and an entirely different way of thinking about interface design is revealed. Such a change of thinking may be seen as a new framework for improved designs of lighting control interfaces as well as evaluation of their usability and end-user experience.

Building and Environment, Aug 1, 2022

This study investigates the cultural dimension in sustainable lighting design to create inclusive... more This study investigates the cultural dimension in sustainable lighting design to create inclusive environments. India being one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse nations in the world, with a population of almost 18% of the world population, requires attention to include cultural dimension in the design of sustainable environments. With the changing lifestyle and growth in organized retailing, the Indian retail market needs an upgrade to create inclusive environments for shared retail experiences. Lighting is among most influencing atmospheric attribute to create simulating environment for a holistic shopping experience. Preference of lighting conditions vary across the store profiles and users' cultural background. Very little research has been carried out to understand the lighting preferences of retail customers in India. This study investigated the effects of correlated colour temperature and illuminance levels on spatial impressions and user preferences in mid-range store profile. This study involved ninety-three participants in evaluating high definition visualisations of the sixteen lighting conditions. The observations from this study emphasizes the necessity of similar studies across various states of India to identify the lighting preferences for other functional spaces and cultural backgrounds within the country. The findings may contribute towards providing recommended guidelines in lighting design and include a cultural dimension in the design of sustainable store environments.

Leukos, 2012

AbstractThis paper aims to design a prototype tangible user interface (TUI) for lighting control,... more AbstractThis paper aims to design a prototype tangible user interface (TUI) for lighting control, and test its usability and end-user experience against a prototype conventional interface. Usability is concerned with easier understanding of control functions. End-user experience is concerned with explicating the quality of end-users' experience such as fun and pleasure of use. TUIs that offer end-users freedom of personal expression alongside functional information are proposed as a basis for making lighting control systems easier to understand and more pleasurable to use. Three dominant views on tangible interaction are explored to derive a set of synthesized principles for designing tangible lighting control interfaces. These principles—which determine what end-users should see and do while using lighting control interfaces and provide specific guidelines for enhancing their physical interaction possibilities—are used to design a prototype tangible interface. Several tests were performed to obtain end-u...

Education for Research, Research for Creativity, 2016

This paper aims to combine theory and applied science; academia and practice for the creative tr... more This paper aims to combine theory and applied science;
academia and practice for the creative transformation of spaces
after dark taking into account a consistent environmental
awareness. It is based on the premise that design research in
the realm of architectural lighting design should function as
a development of practice, instead of being a distraction to
it. Architectural lighting design is a field within architecture
and spatial design that concerns itself primarily with the
illumination of architecture, including academic/institutional,
corporate, hospitality, monumental structures, residential, retail/
entertainment and site/facade projects after dark.

Masters Thesis

BACKGROUND 1.3 FRAMEWORK 1.3.1 What is Syntax? 1.3.2 What does "Semantics" mean? 1.3.3 The distin... more BACKGROUND 1.3 FRAMEWORK 1.3.1 What is Syntax? 1.3.2 What does "Semantics" mean? 1.3.3 The distinction between Syntax and Semantics 1.4 OBJECTIVES 1.5 METHODOLOGY 1.6 OUTCOME 1.7 SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS 2.0 MUSIC 2.1 DEFINITION OF MUSIC 2.2 CHORD FORMATION 2.3 CHORD BASICS 2.3.1 Major Chords 2.3.2 Minor Chords 2.3.3 Power Chords 2.3.4 Suspended Chords 2.3.5 Inversions 2.3.6 Augmented Chords 2.3.7 Diminished Chords 2.4 ANATOMY OF A CANON 2.4.1 Requirements of a Canon 2.5 CATEGORIES OF CANONIC IMITATION 2.5.1 Canon at Unison or Octave 2.5.2 Canon at Intervals Other than the Octave or Unison 2.5.3 Retrograde Canon 2.5.4 Canon in Contrary Motion 2.5.5 Mirror Canon 2.5.6 Proportional Canon 2.5.7 Spiral Canon 2.5.8 Accompanied Canon 2.5.9 Double and Triple Canon 2.6 NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESSING IN MUSIC 2.7 TONALITY AND ATONALITY 2.7.1 The Appearance of Atonality 2.7.2 The Reappearance of Tonality 2.8 THE POLITICS OF PERCEPTION 2.9 MUSICAL FORMALISM AND SYNTAX 2.9.