58|CUADERNOS “Architects have two important tasks for their projects in terms of lighting in Retail: the first one is developing a detailed project briefing (...) The second one is finding the appropriate supplier luminaries, their distribution around the store, the amount needed, color temperature and their prominence in each project. Even though we architects are not specialists in Retail lighting, there are two important tasks that we should complete: first, develop a detailed project briefing. Such document must itemize every area of light, defining its prominence and quality and taking into account the type of product we are working with. A clothing item and a steak are not the same thing. Each has its own characteristics, it receives and releases light in a very different way. All these nuances should be detailed in a graphic document describing every corner of the project. When I mention prominence and quality for each project.” it is in reference to the stronger and softer spots that, just like in a musical score, should be present in a store. Intensity and focus play an important role and for that we have a variety of reflectors and color temperatures. You could say that the outer design of the luminary is irrelevant, what counts is the technology that goes inside. With experience comes the ability to go deeper into the topic; an ability that was lacking at the beginning of your professional career. The second important task for our projects is finding the appropriate supplier for each project. It seems obvious but it is not. Experience is a degree and with time you learn that all companies do not do all things or are professionals in all areas. In the field we are covering, specialization is essential. Today, in Spain, there are companies dedicated only to Retail but there still is an issue pending: installers. We need to convey to them every detail of our project and make them our allies. Their experience in Retail is still insufficient. In short, if you want high performance levels and success in all your projects, hire the appropriate experts and do not forget that an adequately lit store can be very effective, not only in energy savings but in bringing up to a 30% increase in sales. Finally, remember that the product is the hero and we want to emphasize this, so an specific lighting is paramount. ■