Master Thesis: Developing Interactive Lighting System Based on Aesthetic Principles of Ameriha Houses’ Daylight System
Supervisor: Professor Dr. Fatemeh Hasanpour
From the first semester of my master’s program, I began thinking about how I could identify a significant issue and work towards a solution that not only stemmed from solid research but also resulted in a well-designed product. Knowing that light pollution is one of the most critical types of environmental pollution with a profound impact on humans, I chose it as the main focus of my research. My goal was to deeply explore the subject and develop an innovative solution to address this pressing issue.
Research
I conducted an extensive study on light pollution and reviewed various lighting solutions designed to address this issue. I identified key variables for my research, including light pollution, daylight, human behavior, user ecology, and artificial light. Based on this foundation, I formulated questions such as:
- how can ecological and biological data be integrated into lighting design?
- How does interactive lighting help to increase luminous comfort?
- What are the long-term effects of light pollution on humans?
These questions led to the development of hypotheses, and I selected residents of Tehran—one of the most polluted cities in Iran—as my target population for analysis.
Case Study
y case study is the Ameri House in Kashan, a historic building that has been transformed into a hotel. Located in a region with a desert climate, Kashan experiences harsh winters and scorching summers, making the use of natural energy a top priority. The architectural design of the Ameri House maximizes the use of natural daylight and passive heating, providing ample light and warmth during winter days without relying on artificial lighting or heating systems. This sustainable approach, combined with its aesthetic elements, inspired me to select it as my case study and draw insights from its daylighting system and architectural beauty for my interactive lighting project.
User Analysis & Environmental Study
In this project, I used two questionnaires. The first was adapted from a study on indoor luminous comfort in residential buildings in China. The second questionnaire was designed by me to assess various factors related to both the building and the residents living in similar homes.
Sketches
Based on the studies I conducted, insights gathered from research, and the feedback pinpointed by users, particularly residents of Tehran, as well as the strategies for maximizing daylight inspired by the Ameri House, I began sketching. I explored diverse forms and shapes without limitations, aiming to translate these ideas into potential designs. This phase allowed me to experiment freely while evaluating the feasibility of creating an interactive lighting system in the next stage.
Due to the complexity and asymmetry of my initial sketches, many forms were unsuitable for creating a dynamic and interactive lighting system capable of covering diverse spaces and emitting light at various angles. Only certain features from these designs were usable. Therefore, I decided to start with a simpler form to refine and develop the core idea effectively.
Final Form
The final design features a simple, symmetrical form with panels that detach and extend outward. These panels can rotate in four directions, from -40 to +40 degrees, allowing light to be distributed across various angles and effectively covering key areas within the environment.
Arms Function
The arm incorporates two small servo motors, mounted on top of each other using a connector, enabling rotation in four main directions. The panels are equipped with a soft light diffuser to ensure even light distribution, avoiding harsh or focused beams. Additionally, a specially designed glass enhances the lighting by efficiently transmitting light while adding a shimmering, playful effect, creating a more vibrant and visually engaging environment.
App Design
For Tiroj, I made an application mockup equipped with assistive technology, offering three modes: manual, auto, and interactive. The manual mode is ideal for users who prefer to adjust the settings themselves. The auto mode adapts the lighting system to the environment by analyzing user data, requiring minimal intervention. The interactive mode allows users to explore real-time adjustments for lighting direction, color, and intensity.
The assistive technology also enables voice interaction, allowing users to control the lighting through verbal commands. This eliminates the need for physical interaction and ensures accessibility, making Tiroj a seamless and adaptable lighting solution for everyone.
Logo Design
Driven by my deep passion for design, I also created a logo for this lighting system. The logo reflects the essence of Tiroj, blending innovation and cultural inspiration. The TIROJ logo represents an interactive lighting system inspired by ancient Iranian culture and the timeless symbolism of light. The name TIROJ, meaning “sunlight” in Kurdish, aligns with the system’s purpose of creating dynamic lighting experiences. The design draws heavily from the motifs of the Sialk civilization, one of the oldest prehistoric settlements in Kashan, Iran, dating back to 6000 BC.
Sialk pottery, known for its intricate geometric patterns and sun-inspired symbols, provided a rich source of inspiration. These patterns, deeply rooted in Iranian mythology and the reverence for the sun in ancient religions like Mithraism, guided the creative process. By integrating cultural heritage with modern design, the TIROJ logo embodies a fusion of history, art, and technology, aiming to deliver a lighting experience that is as meaningful as it is innovative. (Read on Medium)
