VISUAL QUALITY ENHANCEMENT THROUGH LIGHTING IN THE DESIGN OF ART GALLERY IN LEKKI, LAGOS

The nature of art galleries is changing and evolving as time moves through and so does requirements and necessities on the lighting design and systems of the space which should respond to the new topologies of galleries. Lighting can no longer be seen simply as a tool for the illumination of art and making the gallery visible but it has become a vital part of the exhibition. The aim of this study was to assess lighting strategies used currently in art galleries (or related building types) as it pertains to art exhibition in Nigeria in order to identify areas for further improvement and implement the appropriate strategy in an art gallery design to be located in Lagos, Nigeria. The methodology employed in this research involves the positivist philosophy, with a mixed methods approach that involves the use of qualitative and quantitative data sources. From the surveys and case studies carried out, the study revealed no negative effects of employing daylighting in conjunction with artificial lighting in an exhibition space or other spaces within the art gallery, as long as the daylight was used in a controlled manner. The study discovered that, depending on the space within the Art gallery, both artificial and natural light can be employed, but the degree to which it is appreciated is determined on the space's function. Respondents favoured the use of daylight in general rooms; daylight was also viewed favorably in studio spaces; and in display spaces, despite a smaller percentage of affirmative replies, the architects and artists polled still favoured the use of daylight. The study identified some of the lighting techniques and strategies in use within the study area such as optimizing the internal reflective component of daylight, admitting diffuse white light and implemented the most appropriate as discovered in literature and during the course of study within the design of an art gallery in Lagos. The thesis will serve as a case study for integrating daylight and artificial light in a building typology and will contribute to the body of knowledge on lighting in this area.