Adding Vibrancy to Interiors

The increased sophistication of electronics is probably the most tangible catalyst for the continuing shift in the way we light our spaces, and this has happened against the backdrop of a shift in the awareness of the importance of lighting itself, writes Keith Menon, Co-founder, Spiro Spero


Light is an important tool in Architecture and Design. It’s an integral element of spatial design and directly influences our perception, our spatial recognition and all other qualities of the space which can be manipulated, controlled, enhanced, or ruined with light.

Lighting lends the atmosphere and vibrancy of the space. However, while becoming considerably more exciting, it has become more complex. This need for individuality is what allows designers to invest more time and effort into customised lighting elements that are defined by the concept of the space and the atmosphere and the emotions it’s intended to evoke. This guides us in terms of the kind of forms, materials and expanse of the fixtures.

The Little Easy
Size: 1905 sq.ft
Location: Bandra, Mumbai
Lights used: Wooden chandeliers, fish bowl glass pendants

Size: 4000 sq.ft
Location: Salt Lake, Kolkata
Lights used: All customised except spotlights
Materials: Metal, acrylic, glass pendants, spotlights, neon lights

When designing lights for a space, we look at how the space is going to be used. There are an increasing number of restaurants that turn into dim lit bars at night but want to retain a lighter atmosphere for dining during the day. While Hoppipola Kolkata, for example, is a high energy bar at night, we made sure that we had adequate amount of daylight for a more café-like atmosphere in the day where guests could read or play games.

Technology has made it easier to meet these criteria, especially in terms of efficiency, longevity and controllability (namely, dim-ability, colour-changing, scene-setting and switch-ability for energy saving), which also gives clients more control over the atmosphere of the space.

Hoppipola