From the perspective of lighting design concept, ancient Chinese architectural lighting design and modern architectural lighting design prioritize different aspects. Modern buildings are mostly in three-dimensional sculptural forms; therefore, lighting for such buildings involves projecting light directly onto the structures themselves to shape their appearance, with the nighttime view of the buildings manifesting as a solid form.
In contrast, ancient Chinese buildings are quite different—most take courtyards as the basic unit and form architectural complexes through the combination of courtyards. Thus, the object to be expressed through lighting is the courtyard. However, a courtyard is merely a space; to showcase it, lighting design must be applied to the ancient buildings enclosing the courtyard. Although the buildings are illuminated, the focus of the design is not the buildings themselves, but the courtyard enclosed by them. In other words, the illuminated entities are the buildings, while the expressed subject is the “void” courtyard.
“Highlighting the void to set off the solid” is another core technique that needs to be grasped in ancient Chinese architectural lighting design.
Lighting Design Scenarios for Jinan Kuanhouli Jin Family Courtyard
This is the nighttime interior courtyard of a traditional structure, showcasing sophisticated Ancient Building Lighting Design. The scheme integrates architectural lighting design—warm light accentuates the intricate wooden carvings on the balcony and the outline of arched doors/windows, retaining the building’s historical charm. Soft ambient lighting complements the decorative illumination, balancing functional visibility and traditional ambiance, perfectly embodying the precision of professional ancient architectural lighting.
This scene presents the same ancient courtyard with an added water feature, enhanced by integrated Ancient Building Lighting Design and outdoor lighting design. The building’s architectural lighting (warm glows on carvings/doors) coordinates with floodlighting design for the water surface—gentle light reflects off ripples, amplifying the space’s layered charm. This scheme merges traditional architectural illumination with landscape lighting, elevating the courtyard’s nighttime aesthetic while preserving its cultural texture.
This is the nighttime exterior view of the ancient building, highlighting Ancient Building Lighting Design paired with outdoor landscape lighting. Architectural lighting design outlines the facade’s arched doors and decorative carvings with warm tones, while subtle floodlighting design accentuates the building’s contours. Soft light on surrounding trees complements the structure’s illumination, balancing historical charm and nighttime visibility, showcasing professional outdoor ancient building lighting expertise.
