NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING AS AN ARTISTIC AND IMAGINATIVE MEANS IN THE INTERIOR OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

Abstract

The scientific problem. Methods of interior lighting in children’s hospitals require detailed study. In the research by A. Dunaevsky, on the basis of which the book «Architecture of medical institutions» was written in 1940, lighting in hospitals as a functional component of the building is considerеd. In the works by V. Stepanov, «Specialized educational and medical centers» (1978), and G. Gotsiridze, «Modern foreign hospitals» (1970), techniques for providing hospitals with natural and artificial lighting are describеd. In the study «Basics of interior design» by A. Oliinyk, V. Cherniavskyi, and L. Hnatiuk (2008), natural lighting is described as a means of forming interior space. None of the scientific papers approaches lighting as a component of art in the interior space of children’s hospitals, but the findings of these studies can be used to solve this problem.

The purpose of the article. In this research, interior lighting in children’s hospitals is defined not as a technical component, but as an artistic tool. The research methodology consisted in the comparison of various systems, types and methods of interior lighting and their classification in order to identify the most suitable ones for children’s hospitals. An analogy was also drawn between different types of lighting so as to attach artistic value to the interior space of medical centers. The scientific novelty of the work lies in determining the interaction of light and other artistic methods, based on the example of analyzed lighting variations, and giving consideration to natural and artificial lighting as design tools that facilitate recovery of the child. Conclusions. It is lighting that forms the child’s perception of visual images. Light also conditions the general impression of the design object. Light divides, zones, shapes, organizes space, making it non-monotonous, meaningful and interesting, which is the crucial factor in facilitating recreation and recovery of the child. Complex engineering approach is not sufficient without taking into consideration the various functions of light in the interior and its impact on the child. Light is also a material that cannot be touched, but it complements and completes the interior space. Light is one of the most important components of design. To date, the diversity of artificial light sources should be a motivation for architects to create a comfortable environment for ill children who are forced to stay away from home.