LIGHTING

Lighting that Enhances
the Mountain Landscape

There are always two essentials I keep in mind when designing the lighting for a HOSHINOYA resort.

The first is to remember that HOSHINOYA resorts are designed for extended stays, which means the lighting must cater to the comfort of the guests rather than showcase the resort. Whether outdoors or in public areas or rooms, the lighting must be understated--never glaring. By exposing guests to as little artificial light as possible and prioritizing floor- and ground-level lighting, they are enabled to truly relax.

The second is to incorporate local elements into the lighting scheme. For HOSHINOYA Guguan, I created a layered lighting design reflecting the craft culture of Taiwan as represented by the island's cloth dyeing and woodwork traditions. This concept is immediately apparent in the reception building--the guest's first introduction to the resort--and extends throughout the rest of the premises.

HOSHINOYA Guguan is in a mountainous, naturally spectacular location that is rich in water. The outdoor areas, including the hot springs, have been provided minimal lighting elements that blend into the resort's serene environment, allowing for magnificent views of the stars at night. There is a particular beauty and spaciousness that one can experience only in the perfect interplay of light and darkness.