Light, Shadow, Transparency

Light, shadow and transparency in architecture
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Light, shadow and transparency in architecture
It has been suggested that it is possible to build an architecture using light and shadow. Even though they are natural elements, shadow and light could be transformed, shaped and coaxed in production of human experience. In essence, architecture lies in the human experience stimulated and obtained from the work, rather than in the physical form of the work. Architecture lies in man (Libeskind & Casati 24). Natural light is an important element that allows people to define what is around them, by night and day: the altering perception of the bodies or things on which it impacts, as well as the space which contains them. It is of note that light, or its absence, could also change the space every moment, every hour of the day, every season and every day. Various materials such as tile, stone, glass, steel, wood and brick render dissimilar qualities in architecture. It is notable that light is a similarly and at times more significant element in determining the outcome or end result (Mizuta 31). As such, lighting is an influential material in architecture.
The relationship between architecture and light takes place inexorably; at times unconsciously and at times consciously. Depending on how light is utilized, it could transform the spatial context thereby creating mysterious or sublime, disagreeable or agreeable sensations; the sensations of making a space smaller or enlarging it, or simply emphasizing aspects of the space that interest people (Mende 17). Most importantly, light will make the space more visible, more comfortable, more habitable and more agreeable. Just like good architecture, good lighting serves to illuminate, stimulate and clarify. Conversely, bad architecture, as with bad lighting, confuses, dazzles and generates weariness. Architects understand that it is of major significance to get the lighting right, be it artificial or natural light – bad light degrades a space whereas right lighting improves and ...