We have a scene where we need to recreate this kind of lighting. What approach would you suggest? 2 sided material with a vray lights in each panel? Important we get the gradient towards the edges.
Do they actually need to be the light sources? Cant you texture the roof to look how you want it, then create a light rig that matches but isnt visible to camera. So then you can tweak values of the lights, but keep the visual look you want or the ceiling.
One huge light with light texture. Or many smaller light instances with light texture. Two Sided mtl’s with light inside will render for ages.
Yes that was one of my other ideas.
I suppose what I’m trying to ensure is that we get the that soft lighting throughout the scene, so light would have to pass through a transparent a material.
I think you’re thinking about it too literally. You can get the soft light without literally making as it would be in real life.

