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By: Dr. Deepti Pande Rana, Anushka Mishra, Pooja Singh, and Samreen S . Siddiqui.
1. Associate Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, India
2. Student, Department of Architecture and Planning, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, India
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, India
4. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Lucknow, India
Lighting plays a pivotal role in museum design, shaping not only the visibility and perception of exhibits but also the emotional and spatial experience of visitors. Within the context of the Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya, lighting assumes deeper cultural and spiritual dimensions. As Ayodhya is a city rooted in mythological and religious heritage, the museum’s lighting design must evoke the divine essence and timeless narrative of the Ramayana while ensuring functional excellence in display and preservation. This study explores the dual role of lighting; as a technical medium ensuring visibility, conservation, and spatial coherence, and as an emotional tool enhancing spirituality, storytelling, and immersion. The research adopts a mixed-method approach combining case studies, on-site observations, and lighting simulations to analyse the interaction between light, material surfaces, and visitor perception. Both natural and artificial lighting strategies are assessed to determine how controlled light transitions can guide visitors through the sequential episodes of the Ramayana, creating a sensory and sacred atmosphere. The study further investigates the role of light in reinforcing spatial hierarchy, emphasizing symbolic elements, and crafting a coherent narrative journey. The anticipated outcome is a comprehensive framework for heritage museum lighting design that harmonizes technical precision with cultural authenticity. By transforming light into a medium of storytelling and spiritual engagement, the research aims to contribute to the discourse on experiential museum environments that celebrate India’s mythological legacy.
Keywords: Ayodhya, cultural heritage, museum lighting design, Ramayana Museum, spatial experience, storytelling through light
Citation:
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