Light Architecture (Artificial Light)

As well as architecture that is constructed with natural light I am interested in buildings that are designed with artificial light in mind. In fact it may be more useful to consider architecture with artificial light than natural light as this project revolves around the manipulation of artificial light. Artificial light is something that emanates from a fixed and constant source, meaning it does not change and more than often involves a visual ‘noise’. As well as considering how the artificial light is employed, it will be useful to consider the structure of the buildings and how the light develops the structure. This will prove to be extremely relevant when decisions are made regarding the structure of my lights.

There have been major developments in lighting technologies such as, LEDs, OLEDs, laser, light emitting materials, photonic textiles and LCDs, all of which have added to the potential to integrate notions on visibility, perception and perspective within our public spaces and architecture that we see all around us. It has been these technological advancements teamed with a desire from local and regional governments to improve and promote cities competitiveness through city branding, that has led to several light orientated structures being constructed. Architects know how important it is to get the lighting right within a building, whether it is natural or artificial. Light has a huge effect on the space, often enhancing and improving it. Bad lighting can have a disastrous effect on a space, completely changing the atmosphere and feel.