Lighting Design Approaches for the Heritage Conservation of Thai Stupas

Abstract

Decorative lighting design is one factor enhancing night scenery. The Buddhist stupa is an outstanding cultural heritage example due to its physical form. It is also one of the important elements of the urban landscape in Thailand. This study is aimed at classifying architectural components of stupas through their visual characteristics. It also will analyze the sites and surroundings in Bangkok to fi nd an approach to lighting design that emphasizes stupas’ shapes via light, shade, shadow and gradation of light. This paper argues that modern lighting contributes to the conservation of Buddhist heritage in Thailand by emphasizing the central role of the stupa in the night skyline.