They value its capacity to fill spaces with spirit, enhance architecture and display magical effects that work as the emotional link between the user and the space.

However, due to its intangible nature, light can still be a mysterious and complex design element. Its mastery requires a very high level of abstraction, a basic understanding of the physical principles described by Newton, Maxwell and Faraday, an ongoing awareness of the most innovative technological topics, but above all, a meaningful approach to make its role relevant.

Light as a design element is elusive and capricious - the less you see its source, the more powerful its presence becomes. It impregnates surfaces, enhances textures, unfolds volumes, displays perspectives, and even announces the passing of time (but without the unfriendly ticking of the clock). The light, when manipulated with respect and reverence, overwhelms the soul and induces states of awe because its message is driven to the most primitive part of our brains, so no one can escape from its effects.

We spend many hours designing buildings that we visualize in our minds by day but often overlook how they will appear at night - even though it is perceived from a much greater distance, regardless of whether the lighting is good or bad. Reflecting on the night-time identity of a project should never be an after-thought - our cities are already saturated with unpleasant glares and invasive luminous advertising so it is not just about being seen, but about transmitting the right message that tells the desired story when the sun goes down. It is a concept that is already fundamental to many operators in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, whose volume of night business operations are growing in cities that no longer sleep.

The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, augmented reality... Millennials are driving us to a future that we can barely imagine! All these developments present real challenges in terms of integrating technology into our environments without diminishing architectural values and it is close collaboration that will deliver a project that meets the brief, retains its architectural integrity and embraces all the opportunities offered by this burgeoning technology. Not everything that emits light is lighting, with fixtures being promoted to channel a wide range of digital functions that do not necessarily benefit the space experience. Designers must approach with caution as we integrate these new toys but the results could be spectacular.