@Lighting Detectives Office
2017.03.16 Yuka Tamano
A salon was held to review the night walk survey conducted at Sumida Aquarium in February. The discussion focused on whether the aquarium successfully embodied its dual themes of “Enchanting Light” and “Functional Light”.
Discussion while reviewing the presentation slides.
The presentations were led by each team leader 
A few new faces joining the night walk survey and salon for the first time
On March 16th, a review of the Sumida Aquarium night walk was held in a friendly atmosphere accompanied by a seasonal spring meal. For the Sumida Aquarium walk, we divided into four groups and conducted our survey with an emphasis on “Functional Light” (lighting to see) and “Enchanting Light” (lighting to charm). While the findings had been briefly presented at the postsurvey gathering, the salon allowed for a deeper analysis with each group’s opinions compiled into slides. During this salon, many heroes unique to entertainment facilities were identified, but there were also villain”—cases where participants felt, “It’s a shame this exists despite the other good lighting.”
First, many felt the staircase from the entrance to the initial tank was a hero, as it creates a crucial first impression that draws visitors into the facility’s world. Shimmering lights reminiscent of being underwater were projected across the walls, leaving a positive impression. However, turning around on the stairs resulted in a direct hit from the projector’s glare. While concealing the equipment in that environment seemed difficult, participants felt countermeasures were necessary.
Regarding the tanks, various opinions were voiced on which ones succeeded or failed in their creative efforts to maximize the appeal of marine life. The coral reef and the “Ogasawara Sea Life” were cited as heroes. By skillfully utilizing phenomena such as refraction and reflection, these tanks ensured sufficient brightness to observe the fish without the light source being visible, while simultaneously creating a fantastical space. On the other hand, tanks labeled as villains drew criticism for light entering the viewers’ eyes directly, with many noting a need to cut unnecessary spill light. The special jellyfish exhibit sparked a divided debate with both pros and cons. Overall, however, I believe the tanks received mostly positive evaluations.
Conversely, there were many opinions labeling the lighting for the space as a whole—such as ceiling lights and slope floor lights—as villains. One group even experimented by covering the floor lights with their hands to compare the atmosphere with and without them. While Sumida Aquarium changes its lighting between day and night to offer different experiences, the blue light used to represent “night” drew mixed reactions: some praised it for its “good atmosphere” and “unique take on an aquarium,” while others argued it made it “hard to see for those who came specifically to observe the fish and penguins.
Conversely, there were many opinions labeling the lighting for the space as a whole—such as
ceiling lights and slope floor lights—as villains. One group even experimented by covering the floor
lights with their hands to compare the atmosphere with and without them. While Sumida Aquarium
changes its lighting between day and night to offer different experiences, the blue light used to
represent “night” drew mixed reactions: some praised it for its “good atmosphere” and “unique take
on an aquarium,” while others argued it made it “hard to see for those who came specifically to
observe the fish and penguins.”
In an aquarium, where meticulous attention is supposedly paid to illuminating the exhibits (marine life), it was telling that most “Heroes” were individual tanks while most “Villains” were the ambient lighting of the exhibition spaces. This suggests a clear divide between areas of high focus and those that were perhaps overlooked. Through the lens of the Lighting Detectives, we were able to conduct a “light survey” of the aquarium, observing both the ingenious techniques used to balance “Functional” and “Enchanting” light, as well as the challenges that remain. (Yuka Tamano)
Ranking the Ogasawara Sea Life as the #1 lighting hero.
Tank lighting that received high praise from every group
Score sheets for enchanting light vs. functional light.
