Alivalotettu

Alivalotettu is a Finnish term used in lighting design to describe an object or scene that has been lit from below. The technique involves placing light sources underneath the subject or directing light upward, so the underside is illuminated and shadows fall upward along the form. The word is formed from alivalo, meaning under-light, with the suffix -tettu, indicating a past participle.

In practice, alivalotettu appears in several fields. In architecture and landscape lighting, uplighting highlights architectural features or monuments by illuminating from ground level. In theatre and film, it is used to create specific atmospheres—dramatic, eerie, or sculptural—by emphasizing contours and textures. In photography, controlled underlighting can add depth and mood but may distort proportions if not carefully managed. The technique is often used in combination with other lighting directions to achieve a balanced scene.

Effects and considerations include the ability of underlighting to enhance texture and volume, as well as to evoke subtle or strong emotional responses. However, it can produce unnatural shadows or skew facial features, so brightness, color temperature, and fixture placement must be carefully controlled. Weather resistance and safety are important for outdoor applications, and local regulations may govern placement and mounting of light sources.

See also: uplighting, lighting design, dramatic lighting.