56|CUADERNOS En’light’ening! Many retailers are unaware of the advantages of a well-lit store over one that is not. Architects leave the lighting plan for last in their projects. Few have internalized the need for it because, for good or bad, we live in the land of the Sun. For good, because it makes our landscape an exceptional experience; for bSad, because we lack the sensitivity to understand that this light is not enough for our centers. ince I started Not all European countries are between these countries. They have working favored by light. The northern developed artificial light, have more professionally in the countries specifically, have very few knowledge of its management and Retail world, I have hours of natural light per day but more awareness of its importance. noticed our use of they have turned a deficiency into an This topic should be explored further light, not only in asset and have learned to illuminate so we can learn to complement our stores but in our their spaces imitating natural light. natural source of light with the best homes, streets and public buildings; In this sense, Spain failed the course recourse: artificial light. even in places where light struggles because they hold the misconception The big companies have been to get in. We conduct light and it is present in all our daily activities. As a matter of fact, you could say that when it is not present we feel as if something is amiss, but we seldom know what. We are not aware of its presence or give it the importance it deserves. that the natural light they have is enough; but there is one thing about it that cannot be changed: its control. During daytime it can be enjoyed it but when night comes around it is gone. Natural light cannot be used, at will, whenever it is needed and therein lies the big difference demanding high levels of knowledge for years, so those of us who work in Retail have the advantage of years of experience. Furthermore, an important figure has appeared in their projects: the lighting designers. They are in charge of defining the role of light; the type of