Case Studies/Projects
Signature Experiential Lighting Projects.
DeLaire Graff Estate, Cape Town
OVD 525, Cape Town.
Beyond, Cape Town
Spier Wine farm, Stellenbosch
Rose Villa, Cape Town.
Experiential Lighting Applications.
Residential.
Transform homes into sanctuaries that support well-being with lighting that adapts to daily rhythms and activities. From master bedrooms and bathrooms to exterior landscapes, our residential lighting solutions enhance architectural features while supporting biological health.
Hospitality.
Create memorable guest experiences through lighting that tells a story and enhances brand identity. Our hospitality lighting solutions for hotels, restaurants, and leisure spaces increase dwell time, encourage return visits, and elevate customer satisfaction.
Retail/Commercial.
Drive engagement and productivity in retail and commercial environments with lighting strategies that showcase products optimally, guide customer journeys, and support employee well-being through natural lighting principles.
Benefits of Experiential Lighting
The Science-Backed Benefits of Experiential Lighting
Experiential lighting delivers quantifiable improvements to human health and wellbeing:
MOOD ENHANCEMENT:
Natural light stimulates serotonin production, improving mental health and emotional balance. Our lighting systems replicate this effect through spectrum-specific illumination.
SLEEP OPTIMIZATION:
Properly designed lighting regulates melatonin production and supports healthy circadian rhythms. Studies show that exposure to lighting that mimics natural patterns can improve sleep quality by up to 40%.
ENERGY REGULATION:
Natural light calibrates our energy levels throughout the day, reducing fatigue. Experiential lighting provides appropriate stimulation based on time of day and activity needs.
IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY:
Research indicates that experiential lighting can increase workplace productivity by 15-20% while reducing eye strain and mental fatigue.
AESTHETIC SATISFACTION:
Beyond physiological benefits, experiential lighting creates visually striking environments that enhance architectural features and create memorable spaces.
What is Experiential Lighting?
Experiential lighting goes beyond functional illumination to create environments that mimic natural light's dynamic qualities and biological benefits. Unlike standard lighting that simply brightens spaces, experiential lighting simulates the rhythm, color temperature, and emotional impact of natural light.
The difference is stark: functional lighting provides visibility at a basic level, while experiential lighting creates atmospheres that support circadian rhythms, enhance mood, improve productivity, and contribute to overall wellness.
Natural light follows daily patterns—from the warm glow of sunrise to the bright clarity of midday to the rich amber of sunset. Our experiential lighting designs replicate these patterns through carefully calibrated temperature changes (from <2000K at sunrise/sunset to 5500-6500K at midday) and thoughtful layering techniques.
Experiential Lighting: Reconnecting Humans with Natural Light
At One to One, we are pioneering experiential lighting design that simulates natural lighting principles to enhance wellbeing and quality of living. Founded by Creative Director Martin Döller, our 20+ years of lighting expertise has helped over 500 clients across 4+ continents complete more than 1000 projects.
Our philosophy is built on biophilia—the innate human affinity for nature—applied to lighting design. "Our vision is to reconnect with nature through the use of experiential lighting," explains Döller, whose explorations in South African wilderness revealed how natural light positively influences mood, sleep patterns, energy levels, and overall well-being.
What are the four types of lighting?
To create varying levels of ambience in our experiential lighting design, we use our signature technique called luminous layering. Blending the four essential lighting elements:
Task Lighting:
When you need it.
Precision illumination for specific activities, ensuring functionality without compromise.
Mood Lighting:
When you feel it.
Nature’s indirect glow replicated to soothe the senses and elevate well-being.
Theatre Lighting:
When you see it.
Dramatic shadows and movement that capture the playfulness of natural light.
The final touch.
Decorative.
Transforms spaces through the artistic use of illumination, creating ambiance and visual interest beyond mere functionality.
Experiential Lighting.
Mimicking natural lighting principles.