The Shape of Light...

Little else in architecture has such an unrivalled ability to generate mood and sensation than the presence of light. On his Beaux-Arts training, Kahn reminisces: “They gave us an unquestionable feeling of the inseparability of light and building, and the fact that we could construct light”. It is unfortunate then, that the latter half of this statement by Kahn, regarding the architect’s ability to construct light, is so often forgotten. Openings frame views, they order facades, and often, are sized to allow for just the right level of illumination at the working plane. Seldom, in modern day tradition, is the ‘shape of light’ considered of primary concern.

This paper will be an exploratory dive into this very ‘shape of light’. The movement and form of light in buildings. Approached through the development of a novel framework, within which the ‘shape of light’ is visualised as a tangible, three-dimensional form.

The aspiration of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to develop a methodology for exploring the intangible qualities of light through experimental processes. Resulting in a spacial and temporal representation of light in architectural space; where the positive and negative space created by light shapes a three dimensional diagram. Secondly, to critically analyse this representation, in an attempt to uncover new insights into how light shapes spatial and experiential outcomes within buildings.

By considering light with respect to the same spacial criteria as volume and space, can we more deeply understand its role in shaping the architectural experience, and encourage a more considered approach to designing with light?

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