Digital manufacturing in lighting design

Abstract

This master's thesis was completed at Tu Delft in collaboration with Signify, with the goal of providing guidance into the use of digital manufacturing in lighting design by creating a lighting system concept for the context of nursing homes.

The following design goal elements emerged in this context to improve the well-being of elderly residents. The goal was to incorporate these elements into a lighting system concept that is manifested in a working prototype.
• Bright – Many nursing homes are too dark for the elderly to perform tasks. Vertical illumination may improve the perception of brightness and spaciousness.
• Natural – From the perspective of biophilic design and healing environments, nursing homes could benefit from natural light, shapes, and materials to improve the space’s restorative affordances.
• Lively – From the standpoint of lighting design, nursing homes could benefit from lively elements such as patterns and brilliance to balance the visual aesthetics.
• Pleasant – The aesthetics and light effect should not be annoying because several residents will glance at it daily.

The project started with literature research on lighting and biophilic design, visiting fairs on lighting and 3D printing, and meeting stakeholders from Signify and nursing homes. Prototypes were created iteratively and with increasing fidelity with light sources, cardboard, and 3D printing throughout the project to explore and evaluate ideas. Image-generating AI tools served as inspiration, and parametric design was used to model complex designs. The product experience design was guided by Nine Moments of Product Aesthetics, and the theory of Unity and Variety guided the product experience design in the detailing of the concept.

Livy, the final concept, consists of 3D wall panels and spotlights that together create a nature-inspired light effect. The lighting system increases the perceived brightness of the room by vertical illumination and reflecting diffuse light into the space from vertical wall panels. The light also improves the liveliness and brilliance of the lighting atmosphere by creating dynamic shadows and caustics. Natural materials are introduced through the wooden panels and filaments in a natural shape and pattern. The light is warm white and indirect for a pleasant feel.
A formal validation was conducted with elderly residents (N = 13) in a nursing home. Ratings of brightness, naturalness, liveliness, and pleasantness were rated on a four-point scale. The judgments revealed that the majority of these goal elements were judged positively. The prototype appeared bright (Mean = 3), lively (Mean = 3.2), and pleasant (Mean = 3.5) with the luminaires switched on. Several participants perceived the concept as natural (Mean = 2.4) and referred to natural metaphors. As expected, the brightness was rated significantly higher compared to the luminaires switched off, which was not true for the other ratings.
The project offers valuable insights and a practical example of how digital manufacturing can be used in lighting design within Signify. There is potential for designing illuminated surfaces that combine natural patterns and materials with lighting to create visually appealing spaces. This digital approach also demonstrates opportunities for Signify to develop products that cater to aesthetic preferences and, in particular, lighting needs in a context. Additionally, it identifies opportunities for further steps to make products better reusable or recyclable.