VISITOR'S VISUAL PERCEPTION OF LIGHTING IN THE IMMERSIVE SPACE OF SONOBUDOYO MUSEUM, YOGYAKARTA

Abstract

The development of immersive technology in museums has transformed the way visitors experience exhibition spaces through visually dominant environments shaped by lighting and digital projection media. Immersive screen–based spaces utilize controlled lighting conditions, visual contrast, and large-scale displays to create atmosphere and guide visitors’ attention toward exhibition narratives. However, interior design studies that specifically examine visitors’ visual perception of lighting in immersive museum spaces remain limited, particularly within the context of cultural museums in Indonesia. This article aims to review visitors’ visual perception of lighting in the immersive space of Sonobudoyo Museum Yogyakarta through an interior design literature study approach. The research method employs a systematic literature review of books and academic journals discussing visual perception theory, Gestalt principles, interior lighting design, and immersive museum spaces. The findings indicate that lighting plays a central role in shaping visual clarity, spatial depth, and visitors’ visual comfort. Lighting intensity, distribution, and contrast between the surrounding space and projection surfaces significantly influence the legibility of visual content and visitors’ ability to perceive the space as a coherent whole. Well-controlled lighting also supports visual focus and reduces perceptual distractions in projection-based exhibition spaces. This study concludes that lighting should not be considered merely as a technical support for immersive technology, but as a fundamental interior design element that determines the quality of visual perception and spatial experience. The findings are expected to provide a conceptual basis for designing immersive museum spaces that are more responsive to visitors’ visual experience.