Are you terrified of the dark? Why am I asking you this vital question? For starters, most of us have been influenced (or brainwashed) to believe that darkness is associated with evil - even up to the point of being scared of it. True?

On the contrary, fear not. Darkness is merely the other side of brightness, isn't it? In fact, life is full of obvious contrasts: up and down, good and bad, happy and sad, sweet and sour, success and failure, night and day. The list is endless. Opposites allow us to appreciate the current present scenarios by emphasizing the ultimate value of one option due to the mere absence of another.

Could one condition exist without the other? I don't think so.

Interestingly, this incredible phenomena applies to built environments too. Look at this dimly lit restaurant, for instance.

Would you dine here?

On one occasion, I happened to be a hotel guest in a tropical beach resort. And as a personal habit of mine, I usually investigate the accommodation’s amenities as soon as I'm done with checking-in. It was already late in the evening when I decided to stroll by the seashore, and see what the entire hotel has in store for its discerning visitors like me.

After a few moments - lo and behold, I stumbled upon the establishment’s seaside restaurant. This dining place was perfect because it was situated close to the coast where one could feel the soft breeze and listen to the water waves while enjoying a mouthwatering meal.

Bearing the name “Oceanica”, I thought that it was really a clever branding intended for seafood-themed restaurants with a coastal atmosphere. It likewise blended perfectly with the hotel’s tropical architecture.

On the other hand, I hesitated to enter the space immediately because it was extremely dark with only some illumination coming from limited spotlights, floor lamps, and ceiling pendant lights. I ceased walking right away because I was scared of losing my balance on elevated steps concealed by the darkness.

“I wonder why the interior designer would build such a dining place with only few lighting fixtures?” I pondered. “Was it for the thrill of it? Was the intended mood of the space ideal for the story it was telling? Perhaps, it wouldn't be an issue for adults dining here but what about children?”

Although this seafood restaurant was purposely designed in such a manner and may not appeal to everyone, I've personally reflected with my own conclusions based on my actual observations.

We may be accustomed to brightly illuminated settings for most places, however there are plenty of advantages about intentionally crafted darkness in specific spaces like our featured restaurant:

• Although gloomy, darkness may trigger a sense of adventure for first-time visitors who suffer from a phobia of lack of lighting, striving to step out from their comfort zone.

• Although mysterious, darkness teaches us to appreciate the presence of light whose limited availability adds more value to the environment.

• Although darkness is typically associated with more privacy, the feeling of anonymity adds to the ambiance of romanticism especially when you're dating with a special person in this restaurant.

How do you face, interpret, and experience darkness in various spaces?

This is my personal participation for the #monomad challenge by @monochromes.

About the Author

Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
Creator of Architecture+Design Community on Hive

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