The document provides a task sheet for a lighting designer trainee. It instructs the trainee to research lighting design techniques for three performing arts genres and explore the use of color and effects. It also provides examples of lighting designs for five retail stores, describing the lights used, mood created, and special effects for each. The goal is for the trainee to understand lighting conventions for different genres and how lighting can enhance aesthetics and create atmosphere in retail environments.

1. Task Sheet
As a lighting designer, research at least three genres, in terms of design differences and explore the
use of colour and effects.
This aim of this task is to enable you to develop lighting design techniques for a variety of genres of
the performing arts. Ideas and designs / specials seen today can be adapted and used within your
future designs.
Learning outcome 1 requires you to understand lighting design practices,
showing conventions for types of lighting design.
“At distinction level, you will describe in detail a range of designs, looking at different techniques used
to create effects, to set mood and atmosphere and show clear understanding of key light, backlight,
top, front and side light and where and when they could be used, and potential colours for a range of
effects, and lantern positions. Colour and effects should be justified as to how and where it should be
used.”
1. Identify at least five examples of where lighting is used to enhance the overall aesthetics of the
product.
2. Name the lights used to achieve the overall appearance / atmostphere
3. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created (including the use of colour / semiotics)
4. Discuss specials & effects (e.g. lamp shades, lights on flex etc)
Assessment and grading criteria
To achieve a pass grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:
To achieve a merit grade the
evidence must show that, in
addition to the pass criteria,
the learner is able to:
To achieve a distinction grade
the evidence must show that, in
addition to the pass and merit
criteria, the learner is able to:
P1 outline alternative
approaches and
techniques used inlighting
design [IE]
M1 describe the main
alternative approaches
and techniques used in
lighting design
D1 explain the alternative
approaches and a wide
range of techniques used
in lighting design
Genre One
Lighting for Shops &
Displays
Genre Two
……………………….
Genre Three
……………………….

2. Example One
Shop or Retail Outlet……………Hollister………………
1. Name the lights used to achieve the overall appearance / atmosphere
In Hollister, minuettefresnels were used on bars of rigs around the store. They all had barn doors
closed together tightly to create a small spot of light onto pieces of clothing. The light was open white
which gave a beach house feel and to coincide with this, dark blues and darker shades of yellow were
present. Pinspots were also used to highlight the fragrance section, this effect drew in customers.
2. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created (including the use of colour / semiotics)
Hollister’s lighting design is purposely done to make customers feel like they are in a beach house.
They can enjoy their shopping experience whilst feeling that they are not in an ordinary clothes shop.
This effect is created through the use of darkness. In most other shops, everywhere is well lit,
However here the intention is to feel like you are in a beach house and the sun is shining through gaps
In the ceiling. The open white colour promotes this idea. Coloured gels in Hollister would not work /fit
due to the brightly coloured clothing selection they have in the store. The open white and sandy
Yellow beach colours make the stock stand out much better.
3. Discuss specials & effects (e.g. lamp shades, lights on flex etc)
Lamp shades are found in Hollister. One especially is in the central area of the store, along with an arm
chair. This creates a homey feel to the store and breaks up the beach house theme.
another effect used in Hollister is projection. Projection on the sides of the store show images / videos
of the sea and the beach, in black and white. This is very effective because it is in-keeping with the
theme and the style of the store and the black and white effect makes the store different. It is modern
but at the same time is designed in an old style. Such as the old wood, plants and of course the black &
white.
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3. Example Two
Shop or Retail Outlet……………The Arcade……………
1. Name the lights used to achieve the overall appearance / atmosphere
LED’s are used frequently in the arcade in the Trafford Centre. They also change colour to attract the
Younger audience. Bulbs / massive lamp shades are also used to create familiar surroundings. Bulbs
Around the letters of words such as ‘POOL’ make the word stand out and draw people in. Florescent
Beams are used also to bring out vibrant colours as to promote the fun exciting atmosphere.
2. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created (including the use of colour / semiotics)
Shoppers, especially children are drawn into the arcade by the flashing lights and the brightness.
Arcades will make the most of their money from young adults, teenagers and children and because of
The noise and sounds, they will be more likely to spend their money on the games that appeal to them.
The games would not attract as many people if they did not have the bright open white or florescent
lights.
When a sign or a game is lit up, it immediately brings the piece to life because it becomes more ‘out
there’ , attracting more shoppers who find it harder to resist not spending a small sum of money on
one game.
3. Discuss specials & effects (e.g. lamp shades, lights on flex etc)
Strip lights are used around the arcade in a variety of different colours, again to appeal to a younger
Audience. Flashing LED’s create the crazy, busy, hyped up atmosphere which children find fun.
Luminosity is suitable in the arcade because it stands out in the dark – drawing in shoppers like a
hypnotic trick.
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4. Example Three
Shop or Retail Outlet………………The Orient (Upstairs) …………………….
1. Name the lights used to achieve the overall appearance / atmosphere
Upstairs in the Orient, there are pieces of set that I personally have never seen before. Such as a
balcony above a restaurant. A warm lighting effect comes from a minuettefresnel and it creates an
inviting, warm atmosphere. Also parcans are used in the evening which shine down onto the floor
which keeps the feel for the place alive and bright at all times.
2. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created (including the use of colour / semiotics)
There is certainly an attention to detail at the Trafford Centre because even things beyond a person’s
Standard view, there is so much more to see. Such as above them, balconies and windows with
delicate, soft colours shining through, such as a dark blue representing the evening time.
Also inside restaurants, the theme is portrayed partly through the lighting. Such as in a Spanish bar,
The lighting is a dim yellow, covered by lamp shades and a few reds are used too.
Outside another restaurant were lampposts. Suggesting that this restaurant is set on a street. No
Area upstairs in the orient was exactly the same. Each restaurant had their own unique style and
Setting, the intent was to make the shoppers feel like they are in different locations around the world.
3. Discuss specials & effects (e.g. lamp shades, lights on flex etc)
Signs for restaurants were lit up in very vibrant lively colours, for example the American Bar & Grill
had a bright orange / red sign to advertise their restaurant. Below the food court there was a giant
Chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It was made from glass and had bulbs inside it but it gave The
Orient have a grand entrance which for many shoppers is the first impression as it is the way they
Enter the building.
Small bulbs attached to the flags across the ‘boat’ at the front of the food court by the big screen was
a nice detailed touch because it made the bunting stand out and made people look at it.
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5. Example Four
Shop or Retail Outlet……………Debenhams……………..
1. Name the lights used to achieve the overall appearance / atmosphere
In Debenhams, there is a standard lighting design. Everywhere is well lit because there is no specific
Target audience, it is mainly for adults. There is also not just one theme, therefore coloured lights are
Not relevant. The standard lighting included the use of open white strip lights behind a protective
frame and pinspots in the shop windows.
2. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created (including the use of colour / semiotics)
The idea behind having a well-lit space was to create a sophisticated shopping experience for
shoppers of all ages, especially those over 21. Before entering Debenhams, there are mannequins in
the window, wearing Debenham’s clothing ranges. There is a child, teenager and adult, displaying the
different ages Debenhams provide clothes for. The lighting is open white to compliment the colours
of the clothes. A coloured gel would clash and not work. Therefore the open white enhances the
sophisticated approach and attracts customers.
Inside the store, mannequins are at a higher level that the shoppers so that they can be seen from far
Away – these too have focused lights on them to make them more appealing and for people to notice.
3. Discuss specials & effects (e.g. lamp shades, lights on flex etc)
Chandeliers are an effective way to draw in customers because it is different. In the women’s pyjama
Section a chandelier made of long shapes of glass with bulbs hung. This created a delicate effect as
chandeliers are linked closely with high class (linking with the sophistication theme) and pyjamas are
too linked with delicacy. There is a connection between the lighting techniques and the themes within
the store. The chandelier also ensures that the customers still feel that they are in a clean, high quality
shop, so therefore are buying high quality / high standard items.
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6. Example Five
Shop or Retail Outlet……………………Ted Baker………………………
1. Name the lights used to achieve the overall appearance / atmosphere
Bulbs were used within glass lamp shades which created an almost homey feel and strip lights were
Used on top/underneath shelves to light the clothing on display beneath it. For example with the jeans
Selection. They stood out because the strip light shined down onto it. Minuettefresnels shined down
From a rig equally onto pieces of clothing.
2. Discuss the mood and atmosphere created (including the use of colour / semiotics)
The only colour used in Ted Baker was open white. However it was used carefully because only items
were highlighted using extra bright lights. The general lighting was created using spotlights, but for a
selection of shoes and coats, the brighter lighting effect ensured they stood out further.
The open white is the best colour to use on clothes because it captures the size, shape and colour
better than any other shade could. It is also easier for the public to see the quality of the clothes they
may wish to purchase.
3. Discuss specials & effects (e.g. lamp shades, lights on flex etc)
Lamp shades were used and were linked together by cleverly constructed coloured cables. It gave the
Store something different to make it unique from other shops. The spotlights ensured that not too
much of a wide of a spread of light was made. They added just enough, alongside the minuettes and
lamps. Too much light would have blinded the customers and the items that stood out more due to
enhanced lighting would not be any different from the whole store.
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