Light Architecture (Natural Light)

This topic can be divided into two sections, firstly the use of light in architecture and, more importantly for this project, architectural structures made from light. Although the foremost will be given some consideration it is the later that I am primarily concerned with. The idea of architecture formed by light may at first appear to be an ambiguous concept, but I hope following further discussion that it becomes clear and that it is possible to be better understand my rationale for the project.

Although at first it may not appear to be important how light effects architecture I feel that it is important to consider, especially as I aim to construct something that appears tangible and solid similarly to a column (found in architecture). The importance of this research will become even more profound once construction begins and structure really becomes important.

The relationship between architecture and light is not a new one, highlighted by Lao-Tse’s, an ancient Chinese philisopher, comments, “architecture is not four walls and a roof; it is also, and above all, the air that remains within, the space that these enclose”.

That is why architecture and light, or light and architecture are concepts that have been interdependent throughout history, to the point that one of Bruno Zevi’s, an Italian architect, most important essays is called: “light as an architectural form”. Le Corbusier, a Swiss/French architect, went as far as saying that “architecture is the wise, correct and magnificent play of volumes collected together under the light”.

Throughout all architecture, whether it is popular or less well-known work it is impossible to imagine the work without looking at its relationship with light. This partnership between light and architecture can happen deliberately or it can be purely by chance that the two compliment each other so well.

One example when looking at highly recognized architecture is the Pantheon in Rome. The Pantheon shows that when light and architecture are used together in harmony it can transform a spatial context. The light can help to enlarge a space or make it look smaller, creating the sense of mystery or simply highlighting interest points within the space. Étienne-Louis Boullée, a French neoclassical architect, stated that, “the art of touching with the effects of light belongs to architecture”.

The history of architecture does not only look at the way in which artificial light is used, but also at the different ways that natural light has been employed. Throughout artistic styles there are numerous ways to manipulate light in an architectural space. Beginning with the fascination with star light, to worshipping light in Ancient worlds and ornamented light of Egyptian architecture, natural light has held great power. Continuing with the precise light in Classical Greece and the Roman’s distilled light, passing from the outside to the interior of their architecture. The divine and protective light encouraged meditation in Romanic architecture. Furthermore, Gothic stained glass windows creating supernatural light, the humanized light of the Renaissance and the Baroque’s sublime light.

It is important to note the significance of light in architecture, as it clear that light has always been considered during structural decisions. This project aims to go further than this, making the structure, which has been influenced by light for so many years, actually out of light. This project almost flips the relationship, considering the architecture of light and not the more traditional relationship of light in architecture.

Although the relationship is being looked at from a different angle I still want to consider how artificial light in particular can change and develop architecture. This research may not appear to have a direct link to the project, but I feel like it is helping with my overall understanding behind the project.