light study through light source, surface, and texture

For this assignment, we were asked to observe how various light sources react according to different textiles.

calculating reflectance: the ground floor

For this assignment, we were asked to measure the reflectance of light according to where you travel within the space. The images above represent isolux diagrams, which illustrate the changes in reflectance, explaining how much light was hitting the surfaces in the hallway on the ground floor of the Gatewood building, both artificial and natural.

decisive adherence of light [images and precedents]

Here are images of Tadao's work that I have always found intriguing in their simplicity and beauty as a sculptural gesture.



For this assignment, we were asked to create a light model in which to study the interaction of both natural and artificial light within a space. Taking inspiration from architects such as Tadao Ando, we focused on the navigation and balance of light through simplicity in both gesture and form. Every void, every manipulated surface, every skewed plane was purposeful to create a subtle lighting effect in the space, to direct how one would navigate within. The form was designed to focus more on the natural light that enters through the various voids and cut outs, but the incorporation of artificial light is seen behind an angled wall, creating a soft glow, hidden, creating a sense of mystery as to where that particular light is coming from. Keeping the interior simple, for our focus was on how the integration of light and form can manipulate how one navigates through the space, we choose to have one object within the space, a table with a reflective surface, minimal in form, it's purpose to reflect the various light entering the space.

final board

observations of light | fourth floor of gatewood

Here are two observations of the fourth floor of the Gatewood Studio Arts Building, and how both natural and artificial light can impact a space.

the importance of light in space

Our knowledge comes from experience. It is how we know our past, our memories, our culture. It is through our experiences that express the character of a thing, a purpose, a relationship. Considering space, or our interaction in a place, we know of it through it’s character as it is, or was, impressed in our minds. How we interact with light in a space also derives from experience, and how we know to experience it. We can use this knowledge in design, importantly, in architecture.

Consider light and place, and how an environment impacts our world as a whole. We understand night and day, sunrise and sunset. Being familiar with these daily patterns, we are internally familiar with our rituals impacted by them. Where we live regionally determines these rituals based on how light interacts with the habitat. It impacts us when we wake up, when we sleep, and simply why we do the things we do, when we do, during the day. It is important to be aware of light and place when designing areas that are both geographically and seasonally foreign to you, for those who reside there experience the space accordingly. You must be aware of how they experience culture. Designing a space in Japan, for example, knowledge of the people and how they experience space is vital. We must understand their preferences, what makes a place comfortable for their lifestyle, and the rituals that coincide with it. In the book ‘Light Revealing Architecture’, Marietta Millet explains how the spirit of a place develops from its culture using architecture from various regions as an example. She describes how Japanese people prefer darkness in their spaces, with an emphasis on the contrast of light and shadows. She also discusses scale, and the importance of openness when designing for people in the Netherlands. Culturally, the purpose of large windows is to create a sense of openness. Displaying personal space is a form of communication for not only the Netherlands, but for the Italians as well. Using large windows in a space however, raises concern of how light is exposed in the space, and how one would go about controlling it. Millet also describes Italian windows, and how they “respond to the benign climate and also to the social rituals of conversing with friends and family in the street below”. As designers, we must understand the culture of the space, and how certain rituals experiencing light must be celebrated in the design, creating an environment that is comfortable and familiar to them.

When considering the relationship of light and climate, it is important to find the balance of light and temperature, understanding how it can impact an environment spiritually and culturally. The purpose of the building or space is also important. Designing libraries, for example, it is crucial to understand how light can manipulate not only the space itself, but more importantly, the users of the space. We must know where light touches the building, and the amount that passes through the windows, impacting those who dwell inside. The space must be created with comfort in mind. Alvar Aalto’s Viipuri Municipal Library is a good example when considering this, for he studied the distribution of light in relation to what is comfortable for reading. As designers, we can use Aalto’s process work as an inspiration of how we find the balance of light and temperature, of light and comfort. By performing light studies in the spaces we are designing, we can then develop a better understanding of how to control the exposure to light, and how that impacts the user in their environment.

The relationship of light and climate can also be understood through the relationship of light and time. The way light expresses itself is constantly changing at every moment of the day. As designers, we must we aware of time in relation to light, see each shadow that interacts with form and space, and how we can manipulate them to speak a similar language. In understanding time, we can allow the season direct our designs. Louis Kahn describes the myriad of time and light through simplicity, by allowing the change of time to design the space- “I have no color applied to the walls of my home. I wouldn’t want to disturb the wonder of natural light. The light really does make the room. The changing light according to the time of day and seasons of the year give the room color.” The concept of allowing what naturally surrounds us aid in constructing our design is a beautiful way of relating nature with architecture, of connecting the outside world with an interior space. An example of this is the glass paneling in the Gamble House by Greene and Greene, which an image of nature in the form of a tree. When we design, we should constantly be aware of nature. We must not only notice, but also understand natural patterns, reflections, textures, and shadows, and how recreating images of nature through light and form can impact a space.

As designers, it is important understand how light affects the way we live our lives, whether it is through nature, time, or simply how we experience the space. What we know derives from experience, from exposure. We must design through exposure, understanding the client through knowledge of the culture and how light can enhance a space accordingly.

light and health

When considering personal health, one may think of exercise or dietary actions and how those certain decisions may influence them mentally and physically. One factor that appears to go unnoticed when understanding one’s health however, is their personal exposure to light. Studies have shown that changes in light patterns have a strong impact on one’s behavior and health, mentally and physically.

Lifestyle as a concept is diverse. The routines we live and the choices we make, different they may be, the presence of pattern is inevitable, as well as the constant exposure to light. As a society, awareness of light and its impact on individual health should become a dominating factor in our lifestyles. Most people are aware of how, when the day has ended and night has begun, that our energy and wakefulness naturally decreases. What many may not understand is the awareness our brains have of light patterns, more specifically, the ganglion cell, which senses changes in brightness and darkness, signaling to the body how to react. Too much exposure to daylight has shown to negatively impact one’s health (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This then raises concerns as to how to maintain a balance of light exposure, for studies have also shown that too much exposure to solar or electric lighting impacts heart rate patterns. Night-shift nurses or factory workers who work in environments involving such exposure, for example, tend to be in risk of cardiac problems.

How do we as a society find a balance of light exposure and how it can impact our mental and physical health when a majority is not even aware of its presence? A solution is work with light, understand the exposure and its impact, and ultimately learn how to control it according to the environment. Whether this be through architectural changes, or electrical, a society should first be aware. Once one can understand how their daily lifestyle and health in their environment is influenced, one will hopefully be open for change.