Abstract
This research paper investigates the role and contribution of artificial lighting on handicraft centers in the process of crafts making with limited daylight. These centres were designed to shed light on local handicraft manufacturing and display. The objective was to evaluate the artificial lighting performance, and its impacts on the craftsperson's visual comfort concerning the recommended lighting levels in the given setting, as well as the overall electricity consumption. Hence, a mixed method of case-study analysis was used to evaluate the daylight factor, and the existing artificial lighting layout and illumination level, site documentation through photographs and informal conversations was used to explore the craftsperson’s perception and visual experience, and computer simulation using Dialux evo lighting design software was applied to evaluate the existing lighting levels and propose new lighting solutions for better illumination distribution and electricity conservation. Three handicraft units in Al Jasra Handicraft Centre, Bahrain were selected: gypsum engraving, textile weaving, and pottery-making crafts units. The units were selected based on the level of difficulty and recommended illumination levels. The findings suggest that illumination in the existing handicraft units exceeds the recommended levels, which negatively affects the artisans’ visual comfort and consequently impacts the quality of the produced products. Moreover, excessive lighting may increase the warmness of the indoor environment and increase electricity consumption. The difficulty in creating an optimum lighting design may reside in a combination of factors: the type of handicraft and its level of detail, the type of luminaires and its mounted height from the work plane, as each craft has a specific setting and requirements. Finally, a new lighting layout and new lighting fixtures are suggested, considering the lighting layers to create the best atmosphere to meet the functional and aesthetical demands required in a handicraft unit. In addition, this study’s ambition is to provide some lighting design directions for architects, handicraft centres, and artisans in Bahrain and beyond.