A question on design

[PutraenusAlivius]

I'm not sure if this is bad design technique, but I rarely use anything other than box lights. I do use spotlights for windows, though, but rarely point light. I like to keep my rooms dark to try and create the oppressive prison / storage-like atmosphere. I'm well aware of the negative effects of too much darkness (mainly player gets accustomed to it and isn't scared anymore), so I'd place some lamp entities that are lit at places around the map. However, I see no reason to use point lights to make those lamps any brighter than they already are, especially since point lights are boring and don't cast shadows.

You should. Even if it's dark, you should add some low value pointlights to add some light in. Do it until you can see faintly. See faintly. Don't make it that you can't see shit.
i didnt even use any pointlights just a bright boxlight in my cs