light reveals characteristics of the world around us light can reveal: experiences form space...

Light Can Reveal:

Experiences

Form

Space

Meaning

Each of these can be enhanced, harmed, or ignored in the way we use and apply light to the physical environment.

Light Revealing Experience

Ideas and experiences require active participation and awareness in the physical and social environment.

Exploration of creative expression with light based on

culture and location.

A blend of technical and aesthetic methods.

Place: the specific attributes of a physical setting.

In addition to revealing these specific characteristics it can be interesting to think of light as a component in the defining attributes of a physical setting, a ‘place’ distinct from others.

Different places, in different times of the day, of the year, have varying color and light qualities.

Boston, Massachusetts in January is a very different place from Los Angeles, California. Part of the difference, of course, is weather and climate, part of the difference is topography, the way the land is shaped, and part of the difference is the way light looks, and feels in these two environments, or ‘places.’

Genius Loci

In contemporary usage, genius loci usually refers to a location's distinctive atmosphere, or a spirit of place.

Usage: "Light reveals the genius loci of a place.” (Wikipedia)

“the distinctive character or atmosphere of a place with reference to the impression that it makes on the mind.” (Dictionary.com unabridged)

Think of the different feelings associated with forests, with deserts, with oceans, with city streets.

Each of these can be thought of as having a different ‘genius loci.’

Light Revealing PlaceWarm Hues

Curved Forms

Light Revealing PlaceCool Hue

Monochromatic

Light Revealing Place

Reflection

Texture of Water

Light Revealing Place

Calm

Serenity

Light Revealing Place Light as Image of Nature

Frank Lloyd Wright Windows

Light Revealing Place Light as Image of Nature

Tiffany Lamps and Stain Glass

Light Revealing Place Light as Image of Nature

Patters of shadow and light on the floor and ceiling.

Light Revealing Place Light as Image of Nature

Light Revealing Place Light as Image of Nature

Light Revealing Place Light as Image of Nature

Parasol: a sun shade

A building, a window, a roomcan all be seen as both allowing light to enter, andas protecting us from un-wanted light.

‘Parasol’ can be considered a concept in lighting design.

Protection from light.

Parasol

Protection from light.

Parasol

Protection from light.

Light Revealing Place ‘Genius Loci’ Total amount of daily sunshine by region of the USA

Light Revealing Place - Location

Light Revealing Place - Genius Loci

Light Reaching into the building.

Link to Great Buildings on line.

Academic Bookshop, by Alvar Aalto, at Helsinki, Finland, 1962 to 1969.

Light Revealing Place - Genius Loci

Building providing shade.

Institute of Public Administration, by Louis I. Kahn, at Ahmedabad, India, 1963.

Visual Effect: Shade

Monet, Rouen Cathedral

Light and Time

Light and TimeCoffee Shop

Morning Light

Light and TimeGlasses Shop

Afternoon Light

Hard Shadows, Intense Light

Light and TimeRestaurant

Sunset

Light and TimeBar

Evening Light

Light and TimeRestaurant

Night

Light and TaskRelationship between activity and the quality and experience of light.

Light and TaskOffice Design

Focus, direction and control

Light and TaskOffice Design

Focus, direction and control

Light and TaskOffice Design - Marketing

Image

Light and TaskOffice Design

Communication Model (open)

Light and TaskOffice Design

Focus, direction and control

Light and TaskOffice Design

Communication of activity preservation of privacy

Light and TaskOffice Design

Communication of activity preservation of privacy

Light and TaskOffice Design

Communication of activity preservation of privacy

Light and TaskRestaurant Design

Fantasy, escape, fun and entertainment

Light and TaskRestaurant Design

Fantasy, escape, fun and entertainment

Light and TaskRestaurant Design

Fantasy, escape, fun and entertainment

Light and TaskClub Design

Fantasy, escape, fun and entertainment

Light and TaskHealth Care

Serenity, Comfort, Healing

Cancer Treatment

Light and TaskHealth Care

Serenity, Comfort, Healing

Cancer Treatment

Light and TaskHealth Care

Serenity, Comfort, Healing

Childrenâs Health Care

Light and TaskThorn Chapel

Fay Jones