Authors : Mba, Chigozie Ejieke; Dimkpa, Kelechukwu

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4nu7bwa9

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mvnan9pc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul010

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Museums are among the few building types where emotional experience is a key design consideration. This paper examines how natural and controlled lighting shape users’ emotional perception of museum spaces. Using a qualitative research approach (systematic literature review and qualitative case study analysis), this research finds that lighting variables (intensity, color, and distribution) have noticeable effects on users' emotional responses in a space. The three case studies (Jewish Museum Berlin, Germany; the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum, Jerusalem, Israel; and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Cairo, Egypt) support these findings. Findings are discussed in relation to their implications for museum design in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Keywords : Museum Lighting, Daylighting, Emotional Perception, Lighting and Emotion, Architectural Lighting.

References :

1. A. Mohammad-Moradi, S. A. Yazdanfar, and M. A. Khanmohammadi, “The impact of lighting on emotions in architectural interior spaces: A systematic review,” International Journal of Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 1–28, 2025.
2. Z. Zhang, J. Lu, and X. Zhang, “Emotionally-oriented design in museums: A case study of the Jewish Museum Berlin,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 15, p. 1423466, 2024.
3. K. Dimkpa, P. C. Ohochuku, O. N. Adibe, and H. C. Okey-Ejiowhor, “Architectural resilience: Navigating climatic challenges in secondary school buildings across Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State,” Journal of Engineering, Mechanics and Modern Architecture, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 23–33, 2024.
4. A. Ioannou, “The power of daylight: Daylight influencing emotions and spatial perception of indoor space,” M.S. thesis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, 2023.
5. M. Economou, H. Young, and E. Sosnowska, “Digital storytelling for emotional engagement in museums: Design and evaluation of the Hunterian Antonine Wall EMOTIVE experiences,” International Journal of Heritage Studies, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 324–355, 2025.
6. C. P. Ohochuku, K. Dimkpa, and P. Abraham, “Luminodeficit: The paradox of high rent and abandoned interiors,” International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 1–7, 2025.
7. I. N. Chima, K. Dimkpa, and C. P. Ohochuku, “Sustainable lightweight architecture for economic growth: A forward-thinking approach,” American Journal of Science on Integration and Human Development, vol. 2, no. 4, 2024.
8. I. Gharib and M. Shohdy, “Lighting and emotions: A brief review,” Journal of Design Sciences and Applied Arts, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 84–92, 2023.
9. R. S. Honrao, “Effect of mood lighting on human emotions and behavior,” ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, vol. 4, no. 2SE, pp. 274–281, 2023.
10. Z. Wang, Y. Nagai, D. Zhu, J. Liu, and N. Zou, “Based on creative thinking to museum lighting design influences on visitors emotional response levels theory research,” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 573, p. 012093, 2019.
11. X. Li, R. Wang, and M. Whang, “Designing light for emotion: A neurophysiological approach to modeling affective responses to the interplay of color and illuminance,” Biomimetics, vol. 10, p. 696, 2025.
12. H. Ren, M. Shi, and J. Zhang, “Research the contents, methods, and prospects of emotional architecture based on a systematic literature review,” Buildings, vol. 14, p. 997, 2024.