As a lighting designer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from small residential spaces to large commercial buildings. But one of the most unique and challenging projects I’ve worked on recently was lighting a snake exhibit at a local zoo.
When I first received the call from the zoo, I was excited to learn more about the project. They wanted to create a immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the beauty and diversity of snakes from around the world. The exhibit would feature a large, glass-enclosed habitat with a variety of snakes, including venomous and non-venomous species.
My task was to design a lighting system that would enhance the visual appeal of the snakes, while also providing a safe and comfortable environment for the animals.
I began by conducting a site visit to the zoo, where I observed the snakes and their habitats. I took note of the different textures, colors, and patterns of the snakes, as well as the way they moved and interacted with their surroundings.
Next, I created a series of sketches and renderings to visualize the lighting design. I experimented with different lighting fixtures, including LED strips, spotlights, and floodlights, to determine which would best suit the needs of the exhibit.
After several iterations, I settled on a design that incorporated a combination of warm and cool lighting to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
The exhibit features three main areas: a dry habitat, a wet habitat, and a special ‘snake cave’ area. In the dry habitat, I used warm, golden lighting to create a sense of warmth and comfort. In the wet habitat, I used cool, blue lighting to create a sense of coolness and tranquility. And in the snake cave area, I used a combination of warm and cool lighting to create a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Throughout the exhibit, I also incorporated subtle lighting effects, such as dimming and color-changing, to create a sense of movement and energy.
Overall, I’m thrilled with the final result. The lighting design has enhanced the visual appeal of the snakes, while also providing a safe and comfortable environment for the animals. And, most importantly, visitors are loving the exhibit!
‘The lighting design is truly stunning,’ said one visitor. ‘I’ve never seen snakes look so beautiful and fascinating.’
I’m proud to have been a part of this project, and I’m excited to see how it will continue to evolve and improve over time.
