Lighting at the Irvine Spectrum: Site Specific Blog

The above pictures illustrate the soft twinkle lights and warm spotlights that give a romantic, date night type of feel at the Irvine Spectrum. These twinkle lights, with hanging chandeliers give this typical California outdoor mall its charm. However, I don't believe that the overall lighting gave a very consistent feel throughout the entire mall. I really wanted the feel to be romantic, but it was conflicting with the carnival feel of the carousel and the ferris wheel. It seems like they are trying to appease everyone: the adults, out for a romantic evening for two AND the families, out for festive fun. Since they were trying to cover all their bases, I don't think they covered either to the best possible scenario.

Example of a poorly lit, poorly advertised store:

This store was called Brow and Beauty Bar. It boasted signs saying "Glamour...", "Elegance...", "Charming..." and "Beautiful...". However, there were many things wrong with what they said they were selling and what they were actually accomplishing. First of all there was absolutely no light on the sign above the store front. The only glow, which turned up in my picture, was from the red glowing Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf sign across the isle. You could not even see what the store was named at night. The light that did spill out into the street from the store front was horrible florescent light, and no one feels beautiful or glamourous looking at themselves under harsh florescent downlight.

Example of good, interesting light, and well advertised stores:

It was a toss up for me to decide which of these two stores did a better job of achieving their goals. The first picture is of the Apple Store. Their look is crisp and clean, selling their ease of use and an "everyman" type of clientele. Their use of no words on their store front and just a glowing apple, allows anyone to know immediately what the store is all about. The actual lighting inside the store was not much to gloat about, but I did think they did a good job with front windows. It was interesting what they did with what looked like small flood lights around a Christmas tree. They reminded you this way of the warm happy feel of the holiday, and encouraged you to come in and buy your gifts there.

The second picture is of the Old Navy store. I thought they did a great job of using light and color to attract their particular clientele. The mix of colors, and stripes in the light at the store front says fun, fresh and funky, which is exactly what they want people to believe about the clothes they are selling. The colors made me feel happy and it was fun to take pictures in front of the store.

I have to admit that I was amazed about the use of florescent lights in the interior of so many stores. It is not appealing whatsoever. I suppose it is a monetary thing or something, but it does not seem like the best way of selling much of anything.