Week 10: search for serenity

So my first quarter as a grad student is coming to a close, and having never done the quarter system before, it feels like the quarter began yesterday as well like it has gone on for an eternity - interesting how it can feel like no time at all and all time.

In the craze of week 10 finals and classes, prepping for finals next week, and tech and opening a show, I went to The District for this blog.  The District is spread out and a lot of it feels like any other mall.  But there is one particular section with some restaurants in a row on a cute walking street that really spoke to me.  It also was decorated for Christmas, and I think that this seasonal design added another layer to lighting at the District.  I think the designers wanted to unify these different sections of the district with similar lighted signage and the christmas decorations made the whole area feel connected, and each shop a part of the whole district.

I chose this particular picture for the overall feeling, because it captures what I think the design intended - serenity and tranquility (or at least as much as you can get) amidst the shopping to and fro.  I love the juxtaposition of cool blue light in the water feature with the warm garland lights and pillar lights.  Even the lights that reflect into the water speak to that idea of serenity.  And since shopping can be far from peaceful, this design prompts the shopper to feel a little more comfortable I think.  When I was walking around, I noticed that almost everyone there was a family or larger group.  The place must evoke a feeling of coming together and unity, and draws those groups to it like a magnet.  Overall, I think this part of the district was very successful in creating this easeful and community-oriented atmosphere.

In comparing shops/restaurants, I thought that most fit very well into this homey feeling.  The first of the three pictures shows one example of a super successful lighting design.  I love the real fires, creating visual as well as actual warmth.  Though mostly warm colors, you can see some blue lights in the background that, just like the water feature, juxtaposed the warmth and added a cool flavor on top, that smooth serenity and ease.  The second picture was the shop that stood out like a sore thumb.  The lighting was harsh inside, and pretty dark outside, and it felt very much in reverse of what it should be.   Like, the OPPOSITE of mood lighting....or MOODY lighting.  It was weird.  I didn't like how bright it was inside compared to outside and it made you want to look away.  There were a lot of people sitting both inside and outside at the first restaurant, but here there was only one family eating, and I think that speaks volumes.  This second restaurant didn't fit into the family-oriented, serene setting that the rest of the design was going for.  The last picture is a shot of both restaurants.  You can see that from an angle, the design definitely is trying to unify the area, with the shops looking unique and still tied together.  But the thing that stick outs is the brightly lit green wall of that second (unsuccessful) shop.

Overall I thought this area of The District really captured a quaint, family-oriented atmosphere that felt warm and still serene.  And the Flame Broiler was the thing that didn't quite fit.  The rest was warm fires, lower intensity mood lighting, and the feeling of coming together in unity.