Layered lighting inspired by Indian architecture shapes the spatial experience

Tevar – The Progressive Indian Kitchen & Bar, located in Hyderabad, India, is a contemporary dining space that integrates food, music, and performance within a layered architectural environment. The lighting design for the project was developed by architectural lighting design studio Love of Light, in close collaboration with the interior design team to create an atmosphere that responds to the spatial drama of the restaurant. The project maintains warmth and intimacy while emphasizing architectural layers through light.

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

The interior is defined by deep tones, curved forms, and a rhythmic arrangement of architectural elements. Rather than applying uniform illumination, the lighting strategy introduces hierarchy and contrast, allowing materials, textures, and volumes to gradually reveal themselves. A layered lighting approach combines ambient illumination, focal accents, and controlled brightness to guide the spatial experience. At the center of the space, a large chandelier composed of 89 lantern-like fixtures is installed. Each fixture was custom-designed and developed through months of prototyping. Fabricated using recycled aluminium and hand-blown glass sourced within a 100-kilometre radius, the installation reflects a commitment to sustainability. The clustered composition forms a floating canopy of warm light that defines the dining area while maintaining visual lightness.

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Along the walls, custom-designed modules inspired by "jharokha"—projecting window niches in Indian architecture—create a rhythmic architectural expression. Integrated linear lighting gently grazes surfaces, enhancing depth and materiality while maintaining visual comfort. The lighting operates at 2700 Kelvin with a CRI of 95, ensuring accurate color rendering for both materials and cuisine. Lighting control plays a crucial role in the project. A fully integrated dimming system adjusts light levels throughout the day in response to natural light and operational moods. Smooth transitions between lunch, evening dining, and live performances are achieved while improving overall energy efficiency.

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

Additional areas are treated with restrained lighting layers. The bar features integrated backlighting to highlight bottles and materials, while counters are softly illuminated from below. Acoustic ceiling forms and performance zones are accentuated with carefully positioned fixtures that emphasize geometry without glare. The lighting infrastructure is designed with long-term sustainability in mind. Custom profiles, drivers, and wiring systems are modular, allowing individual components to be serviced or replaced without full fixture replacement. This reduces material waste and ensures adaptability over time. Environmental considerations, including local material sourcing and maintainable systems, informed the project from the early stages.

Photo credit: Vivek Eadara

The result is a lighting environment that supports the spatial identity of Tevar while remaining fully integrated with architecture. Through custom lighting elements, controlled illumination, and responsive systems, the project demonstrates how lighting shapes atmosphere and enhances the experiential quality of hospitality spaces.

About Love of Light

Love of Light is an architectural lighting design studio based in Hyderabad, India, founded by Dashak Agarwal. The studio works across hospitality, residential, retail, and cultural projects, developing lighting strategies that integrate architecture, materials, and atmosphere. Its approach focuses on layered lighting, combining ambient light, focal glow, and brilliance to shape spatial perception.