Reconstruction of the light narrative system of the intangible cultural heritage exhibition space—Reconstruction and innovative practice of lighting system based on the Zhaoxing Dong intangible cult

Abstract: This study breaks through traditional protection-oriented lighting and builds a "cultural gene-human factors engineering optimization" framework. Through the upgrading of lighting systems in the four intangible cultural heritage exhibition halls of Dong embroidery, silverware forging, plant dyeing, and Dong drum tower, technical indicators such as improvement of the benchmark value of typical pattern recognition, reduction of surface reflection light interference rate and other technical indicators have been achieved, and a replicable intangible cultural heritage light environment design has been established. It proposes a comprehensive index evaluation of light sensitivity and visual comfort based on the classification of the optical properties of materials, providing disciplinary lighting engineering for the digital protection and revitalization of traditional cultural intangible heritage, a comprehensive solution for visual communication through multi-spectral and electronic shutter digital image collection, and AI picture generation and mutual assistance applications.

(Research background and project urgency: In view of the common problems of improper lighting system design and insufficient illumination (1:3) caused by severe light decay of lamps in cultural exhibition halls in ethnic areas, this research is based on the "72-hour engineering attack" (two-night multi-shift continuous operation mode) to pursue the time node, through The integrated transformation of the multi-modal modular lighting system simultaneously realizes the optimization of exhibition light environment parameters (illuminance maintenance value ≥300Lux-500LUX, color temperature tolerance ±200K, color rendering index Ra≥90), achieving visitors' immersive exhibition experience and professional-level film and television recording needs (4K HDR filming standards) dual technical goals to effectively build a national cultural visualization communication technology system and promote the multi-modal expression of the Chinese nation’s community consciousness)

Keywords: Intangible cultural heritage display; lighting system design; narrative optical theory; human factors engineering principles; Dong traditional crafts (embroidery/silver ornaments/batik); Drum Tower architectural art characteristics; dynamic lighting algorithm based on low-frequency lighting and electronic shutter synchronization technology; indoor and outdoor illumination control algorithm; also discusses the requirements for digital recording of light environment in photography: AI-generated pictures.

The eight-category functional division structure of the intangible cultural heritage scene verification is as follows: (1) Visitor reception center; (2) Core exhibition area; (3) Literature and classics collection area; (4) Miniature architectural model display area; (5) Folk life utensils display area; (6) Traditional opera drum tower area; (7) Batik technology exhibition area; (8) Commercial space lighting optimization module. Each functional area needs to establish a differentiated lighting parameter system.

Intangible cultural heritage scene verification function partition comparison table (lighting data to be supplemented)

In order to meet different display and use needs, each functional area must build a differentiated lighting parameter system. For example, the lighting needs of a visitor reception center may tend to be bright and easy to navigate, while the core exhibition area may require more sophisticated lighting to highlight the details of the exhibits. The lighting design of the literature collection area should consider low illumination and low ultraviolet radiation to protect the documents from damage, while the batik technology exhibition area needs to adopt a lighting system that can emphasize color and texture. The commercial space lighting optimization module should focus on the lighting effect of attracting customers and displaying goods. The lighting design for each area should be customized based on its specific function and display content. By applying AI technology, such as taking photos from multiple angles and using image generation software (such as Rujimeng APP) to simulate lighting effects, the required lighting and lamp configurations can be clearly displayed, thereby making up for the shortcomings of design planning drawings and shortening communication time during construction.

(1) Architectural space analysis of the tourist reception center: The main structure adopts a log decoration system inside and outside, and six solid wood load-bearing columns are installed indoors. The building plane is composed of three functional areas: the entrance transition space, the embroidery craft display area and the silver jewelry culture exhibition area. The total space size is 20m (L) × 8m (W) × 6m (H). The lighting system adopts a composite light environment design strategy, which is dominated by natural lighting and combined with auxiliary decorative lighting to achieve differentiated light effect control. Based on the principles of ergonomics, each exhibition area implements a graded optical narrative scheme:

The space functions are divided into the main entrance passage of the hall, the embroidery craft exhibition area and the silver jewelry culture exhibition area. This design consideration establishes data analysis based on the spectral reflection characteristics of embroidery and silver ornament materials (traditional Dong embroidery and silver ornament patterns). As an intangible cultural heritage, embroidery fabrics use plant dyeing techniques to present high-saturation dark colors. The optical sensitivity is significantly lower than the high reflection of silver jewelry materials. The difference in reflection coefficients of exhibits in the two areas is almost 100%, and a segmented light source configuration plan needs to be implemented. After on-site observation, it was found that the original embroidery exhibition area had problems with insufficient illumination (average value 150 lux) and mixed color temperatures of the light sources. The display of the mannequins displaying ethnic costumes was adjusted about 50 meters away from the wall to effectively avoid projection interference on the wall and affect the look and feel. Mix and install dual color temperature semi-concentrated spotlights (3200K/5600K). This parameter setting has considered natural light spectrum compensation. High-precision lighting enhancement methods are implemented in the key exhibit areas. For exhibits that emphasize the multi-color embroidery of the three fishes and the golden embroidery of the Drum Tower, the lighting renovation project adds 30 sets of traditional bamboo chandeliers, 12 sets of 50W 5600K bamboo style lamps as the main lighting in this area, and adds 20 track lights, using 10-30° adjustable By adjusting the angle of the semi-concentrated light, the surface illumination of embroidered fabric exhibits can be increased to 300±20 lx. Texture and three-dimensionality are improved.

This study divides the space functions into three main areas: the main entrance passage of the hall, the embroidery craft exhibition area and the silver jewelry culture exhibition area. In our research, we constructed a data analysis framework based on the spectral reflection characteristics of embroidery and silver jewelry materials, focusing on the study of Dong traditional embroidery and silver jewelry patterns. As an intangible cultural heritage, embroidery fabrics are usually dyed using vegetable dyeing techniques, showing highly saturated dark features, and their optical sensitivity is significantly lower than the high reflective properties of silver jewelry materials. The study found that the difference in reflection coefficient of the exhibits in the two exhibition areas is close to 100%. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to implement a segmented light source configuration scheme. Through on-site observation, we found that the original embroidery exhibition area had problems with insufficient illumination (the average was 150 lux) and mixed color temperatures of the light sources. In order to effectively prevent the projection from interfering with the wall and affecting the look and feel, when displaying the mannequins in national costumes, adjust the distance from the wall to about 50 centimeters. We used a mixed installation of dual color temperature semi-concentrated spotlights (3200K/5600K). This parameter setting has fully considered the compensation of the natural light spectrum. In the key exhibit areas, we implemented a high-precision lighting enhancement method, especially for the three fishes with a total number of heads. Exhibits include color embroidery and drum tower gold embroidery. The lighting renovation project added 30 sets of traditional bamboo chandeliers, 12 sets of 50W 5600K bamboo style lights as the main lighting of the area, and added 20 track lights, using 10-30° adjustable angle semi-concentrated light to increase the surface illumination of the embroidered fabric exhibits to 300±20 lx. Through these measures, the texture and three-dimensionality of the exhibits have been significantly improved.

Glare control was implemented in the reflection peak of the silver jewelery exhibition area, and the direct floodlights on the original columns were removed to reduce various glares caused by light on metal and human eyes, and to deal with unnecessary sources of light pollution. According to the zoning illumination optimization plan, the exhibition area and on-site production area reached the standard value of 200lux-500lux respectively, and the illumination in the processing area was increased to 98.2%. Innovative use of 5600K high color temperature spotlights. After controlling the original flood lighting, the illumination of the silver jewelry is significantly reduced, and the detail restoration can clearly see the pattern details. An independent illumination spectrum compensation unit is designed based on the dominant wavelength of the embroidery fabric and the reflection peak of the silver jewelry. The restoration of the pattern details on the silver jewelry reaches 98.5%. The main lighting chandelier is only used, with an average illumination of 300lux-500lux. The horizontal illumination of the work surface in the silversmith processing display area is within the 700 lux range of the actual repair operation surface. Two groups of top light and front top light are used to maximize the light ratio and highlight the clarity during viewing. There are two large-sized framed silver ornaments on the wall. Considering that the glass refracts light and causes glare to the human eye, which affects viewing, 5600k high color temperature spotlights are used here to cross-light, and a low-color light is added to highlight the pattern. Warm 3200k spotlights increase the three-dimensional recognition of silver jewelry.

(The main ceiling lights in three areas are staggered at different heights from the ground to separate the entrance of the main passage (1.2cm downward from the ceiling) from both sides (1.5cm downward from the chandelier), achieving a uniform vertical illumination of 300LUX± per square meter on the ground.)

(2) Core exhibition area: It consists of two major units: literature collection and miniature models. The enclosed indoor exhibition hall carries rich exhibition content and needs to build a uniform and comfortable overall lighting environment, focusing on strengthening the visual guidance effect of the core exhibit areas and graphic and text explanation walls. By arranging multiple rows of long strip lighting systems in a matrix on the ceiling, the vertical illumination of the space is stably maintained at more than 300lux. In view of the hard glare interference caused by the high brightness of the original wall downlights, the soft light medium is used for full coverage, which not only eliminates the large light ratio phenomenon during photography, but also ensures that the wall calligraphy and painting remain clear and legible under soft light. The classics collection area is specially equipped with 4500K±50 warm white spotlights (anti-UV LED light sources should be selected) to accurately control the horizontal illumination to 70lux. While clearly showing the texture and pattern of the Dong paper cover, it can delay the fading and aging of the document carrier to the greatest extent, achieving the dual balance of cultural heritage protection and visual appreciation needs.

For the Dong Village Drum Tower Model Exhibition, three-dimensional lighting is used to implement cross-sectional lighting using narrow-beam spotlights to accurately focus on the details of the tiles, enhance the three-dimensional effect, and prevent light from overflowing the exhibition area. The track spotlights cover the far and near light positions, use light and shadow to present the wooden structure of the drum tower model, and outline the mortise and tenon structure of the eaves corners and brackets to prevent glare. The spotlights form a "pin" shape and project light gradients of 30°, 45°, and 60° to achieve excessive illumination of the light spot. The overall lighting not only highlights the architectural features of the Drum Tower model, but also ensures the visual comfort of the exhibition space.

(3) Folk life utensils display area: In this immersive exhibition space, the walls are surrounded by rich Dong cultural symbols, and the central cylindrical theme booth is strewn with various accompaniment instruments used when the Dong people sing songs. The exhibition area uses suspended strip lights to create full-area illumination, raising the basic illumination to the 500lux±50 range. The core exhibition area is specially equipped with a 360° internal light-transmitting cylindrical light box and an adjustable-angle 3W LED spotlight array. It uses small-angle narrow light to accurately outline the texture of musical instruments, so that the surface illumination of the exhibits is stabilized at 300lux+50 standards. On the cultural wall, special emphasis is placed on the lighting adjustment of important cultural symbols, and together with the central light pillar, a light and shadow aesthetic system of virtuality and reality is constructed.

(4) Batik technology exhibition area; batik area and production area

Batik Area: As a batik craft room carrying intangible cultural heritage, this space is filled with a simple charm and is a place to experience the ingenuity of blue and white art. There are dye vats, batik pools, etc., as well as batik fabrics on display. The dim lights and the pillars beside the passage together guard the inheritance of this ancient skill, reflecting the respect and inheritance of tradition. The dip-dyeing operation area is dominated by warm yellow tones, creating a simple, warm and culturally rich environment. Through carefully designed lighting levels and differences, the destruction of the traditional atmosphere by strong light is avoided. The main lighting uses a combination of woven chandeliers and LED light strips to provide uniform and soft lighting, ensuring that the vertical illumination of the space reaches 300lx±. A small wall lamp is installed vertically on the column. The light is projected downward along the column, outlining the column body, enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the blue and white pattern on the column, making the column a decorative focus, complementing the batik display on the top and wall. To direct the visual focus to the indigo dye poking area, multiple sets of adjustable track narrow beam spotlight arrays are used to illuminate vertically with a horizontal illumination of 800lux± to enhance the visual effect of the dye vats and batik pools. Batik fabrics redesigned for hanging and wall coverings to showcase color Bright, patterned batik works that highlight their fine textures and color gradations. By adjusting the angle and brightness of the spotlights, the light is accurately projected to highlight the text "Much Joy, Everlasting Peace" in the blue and white pattern. In the batik drying area, multiple hidden warm-color LED soft light strips and track spotlights are applied to the folds and pattern details of the fabric, embedded between the beams suspended above, creating a three-dimensional sense of light and dark changes on the edge of the batik cloth when it is swayed in the natural wind. The dye vat area uses local lighting to highlight the details of the sparkling special effect pattern.

Production area: The exhibition area for intangible cultural heritage inheritors has a specially designed double-layer soft-light film structure. Through the flat light on the second floor and soft-light film processing, the downward illumination is achieved to achieve a secondary increase in illumination, which accurately improves the illumination on the face of the embroiderer on the workbench in the batik production interactive experience area. The inner layer of 3000K\800lux basic lighting is combined with the outer layer of 5600K\500lux light to form a three-dimensional light environment. Multiple LED light strips are used to hide above the top logs to imitate natural sunlight and achieve a floodlight effect that is visible without lights. In order to solve the technical problems caused by the large indoor and outdoor light ratio during photography and ensure that the picture quality will not be affected by sudden changes in aperture and electronic shutter settings when shooting, most LED light sources have a low refresh rate, which has a negative impact on high-quality shooting pictures. Given the complexity of the environment and the variety of light sources, a different lighting scheme was customized for each area. The overall area illumination reaches 650lux±50 mixed lighting to meet the visual needs of visitors during the batik practice.

(5) Traditional discussion opera in Gulou District;

As an important part of lighting improvement, the lighting design of Gulou District bears an important mission in reproducing the historical atmosphere and adapting to modern display functions. This design deeply considers multi-dimensional elements such as architectural aesthetics, optical principles and cultural inheritance, and is committed to achieving a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

In the lighting layout of the interior space of the Drum Tower, the use of warm-toned lighting has become the core strategy to create a simple and mysterious atmosphere. The team carefully selected a warm color temperature light source with a color temperature in the range of 3200K - 4500K. This color temperature simulates the spectral characteristics of natural light at dusk, and the color rendering index (CRI) is greater than 90. The initial attempt was to introduce the excellent performance of the full-spectrum LEDSG-L 250 LED panel lamp produced by Guangdong Shiguang Electronics, which has high luminous efficiency. However, due to its limitations in concealed installation, it is difficult to meet the stringent requirements for the concealment of lamps in architectural spaces. After multiple rounds of testing and program demonstration, the COB four-eye circular fill light fixture was finally selected in the main lighting area. Effectively reduce the size of the lamp body, making it easier to install concealed. By analyzing the light propagation path and reflection characteristics, it was finally determined to arrange 16 200W LED projection landscape lamps and 12 LED four-eye COB surface fill lights on the top. The lamps are cleverly placed along the outside of the bracket, using light reflection and upward projection to achieve a uniform and soft lighting effect.