THE ROLE OF LIGHT IN INTERIOR SPACES
Sculpting atmosphere through directional shade and solar angles.
In high-altitude tropical urban centers such as Addis Ababa, sunlight possesses an intense clarity. Designing interior architecture in this environment demands a mastery of shade rather than an uncritical maximisation of glass surface area.
When light enters a room through deep recessed reveals, it washes across plaster and stone with a sculptural weight. The angle of morning light highlights micro-textures in troweled plaster, while afternoon shadows deepen space, turning simple corridors into meditative transitions.
Our practice approaches artificial lighting with equal restraint. We place fixtures at low architectural heights—near floors, behind floating millwork reveals, and within stone niches. This ensures that when dusk arrives, the interior transitions seamlessly into a warm, protective sanctuary.
"A great room does not reveal itself all at once. It invites light to disclose its geometry slowly throughout the day."— Hyssop Design Journal