What does "highlighting" mean in lighting design?

Highlighting in lighting design refers to the technique of drawing attention to specific features or elements within a space. This can be achieved through focused lighting, such as spotlights or accent lights, which illuminate particular areas or objects, making them stand out. By emphasizing textures, colors, and shapes, highlighting enhances the visual interest of a space and guides the viewer's attention to focal points. For example, in a gallery, lighting can be used to accentuate artwork, while in a retail setting, products might be highlighted to attract customers.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of highlighting. Using lights solely for efficiency focuses on energy savings rather than aesthetic enhancement. Brightening an entire area pertains more to overall illumination for visibility, which contrasts with the targeted approach of highlighting. Eliminating shadows may improve visibility but does not necessarily draw attention to specific features, which is the primary objective of highlighting in lighting design.