Washlighting creates a very uniform light distribution on the facade. A line of light marks out the edge of the building against the night sky. Uplights rhythmically divide up the facade. Under the light of up-downlights, graphic patterns are produced by the definite beams.

Washlighting facades can make them appear flat. Reducing the illuminance as the facade height increases gives a low-contrast transition to the dark night sky. Grazing light emphasises the surface textures of materials. Progressions of light on untextured walls become the dominating feature and are seen as independent patterns in their own right. Large, uniform surfaces can be given structure with patterns of light. Beams of light that do not match or correspond with the architecture are perceived as disturbing.


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