Christiane Bosse

Light and architecture

We experience architecture primarily through light. Architectural construction, materials and shapes determine the light within buildings as well as the light reflected from buildings. It is, on the other hand, the intensity and quality of light which defines our visual perception of space and the appearance of materials and construction.

Material is not visible without light and vice versa.

This interaction allows us to perceive architecture.

Designing architecture with light

When I am designing, I think it is important not only to develop the construction of a building but also to have a vision of every room, its atmosphere and how a particular distribution of light and shadow will enhance this atmosphere. My intention is to create space where people can get in contact with themselves and obtain inner calmness.

It is therefore necessary to develope a feeling for light-situations and their different effects. This leads to a variety of aspects that prove influential in the design process, e.g.:

Atmosphere / function: light, dark, calm, energetic?

Materials: translucent, reflecting, focussing, projecting light?

Shape: edges, curves, sharp contrasts, tints of grey?

Construction: open, semi-transparent, massive?

The designed building is a residential house where rooms are divided functionally but connected through light. The solide parts determine the incidence of light and create shadow-areas. They frame the translucent parts which glow in various ways and intensities.

Looking back I was fascinated by the different dimensions in which light acts: on architectural surfaces as well as inside people.

Steps taken during the diploma:

1. Examination of the importance of light for human beings and architecture

1.1 Examination of existing buildings, selfmade models and imaginary light-situations through drawings and photographs

1.2 Paper discussing the following subjects:

1.2.1 Light in general (considering physical, philosophical and artistic

dimensions and every day aspects)

1.2.2 Light and architecture (brief history of the role of light in architecture, light-space versus shadow-space, designing with light)

1.3 Outside influences of light demonstrated on the draft of a monastery (light depending on season, time of day, topography, surrounding buildings and vegetation)

2. Elaborated design of a residential building

Emphasis on the subject „light and space“

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