Through light we are able to see. Light is the purest form of our visual perception and therefore an essential component in experiencing architecture. Variations in light can completely change the atmosphere, the feel of an architectural form and our perception of it. Hence, a very difficult challenge that architects face is how to obtain good light in their design and how to utilise it appropriately.
But what is good light?
Before reading the material, I believe I would not be able to exactly tell why a certain design is well or poor lit. Of course I could definitely tell whether there was not enough light in a room, or if it was too bright. However the material gave me a much clearer idea of what good light is and how architects use it, not only to serve our needs and convenience, but do so artistically. I can now define good light, as light that offers an accurate view of all the textural and plastic qualities of a form. Good light leaves no room for unclarity and uncertainty.
In Experiencing Architecture Rasmuseen categorises light into three types, the open hall, the room with the skylight and the room with light from the side and analyses architectural designs of each category. The covered market of Cadillac and the Glass House are perfect examples of the open hall, where master architects have utilised daylight ideally. The Pantheon in Rome, Stockholm's and Gothenberg's City halls are ideal examples of the skylight, where light is used skillfully to illuminate these grandiose structures. The Dutch House and the Venetian Palace are beautiful examples of the light coming from the side, with their unique systems of illumination. But Rasmussen analyses the wrong uses of light as well, for each category. Due to this careful evaluation, I believe I have a much clearer idea of how good light is obtained in architectural designs.
In the last part of the material, Rasmuseen discusses the use of light, by Le Corbusier in the church of Ronchampes. It is a striking building, which shows how a talented and masterful architect can use light in a remarkable way, to create a one of a kind design.
In summary, obtaining good light in designs is a grueling task, but at the same time, a great opportunity, in creating brilliant architecture.
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