STRUCTURES OF LIGHT Jared Clark // Representation II // a1747599
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PLACE Sun & Shade Study Site Circulation & Social Character
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Light Study: Luminosity 05 IDEA Seek Light 07 Design Concepts 08 Final Concept 09 Design Precedent 10 Light Study: Reflection
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FORM Plan, Section, Elevation & 13 Exploded Axonometric Context 15 Collage 17 Folded Forms 18 Light Study: Opactiy
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MATERIAL Concrete 21 Glass 23 Light Study: Filtration
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PLACE Sun & Shade Study
The shade studies below indicate the amount of sun and shade that is cast during both summer and winter. The times recorded are also times of heavier pedestrian use.
Summer Solstice 9AM. 12PM. 3PM
Winter Solstice 9AM. 12PM. 3PM
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PLACE
Site Circulation & Social Character The Barr Smith Library is located on the central axis of the Maths Lawns and is framed by the surrounding buildings. The users and pedestrians of the area generally stick to the paths when navigating through and around
THE BRAGGS
MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
FRO ME STR ET
BARR SMITH LIBRARY
the site. In saying that, it is observed that users may cut across the Maths Lawns to minimise travel distance. The site is a very popular venue for many different pop up events that take place here, including that of O’Week.
INGKARNI WARDLI HORACE LAMB
Maths Lawns
Building Footprint
Users Path of Travel
SANTOS BUILDING
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L U M I N O S I TY LINGUISTIC DEFINITION
luminosity lu· mi· nos· i· ty ear definitnions of luminosity 1. the quality or state of being luminous 2. something luminous 3. the relative quanitity of light 4. relative brightness of something
PHILISOPHICAL MEANING Luminosity is a means of enlightenment and awareness. Luminosity is entirely related to the presence or absence of light and is linked very heavily to a deeper and more meaningful connection spiritually. As humans we are led by light and aim to be naturally luminous and inherently pure, such as light.
Light is seen in both abundance and deficiency in this world which can be expressed more seemingly through the term of luminosity.
Science Centre in Wolfsburg. After this period of raw, cool concrete buildings, Zaha Hadid decided to use warm, golden, glossy tones and create a new atmosphere in her 2010 project the Guangzhou Opera House.
MEANING IN ARCHITECTURE
The main design concept of this auditorium was driven by fluidity and seamlessness. Several thousands of light pixels are present in the ceiling that replicate that of a dream-like starry night sky. The light from these light pixels are softly received and returned on the seamless edges of the balconies. The use of light in this project amplifies the curves and forms and brings the perception of additional depth and dimensionality to her designs.
As discussed, light is an integral part of our everyday lives, both the presence and absence of it. The earth revolves around the light of the sun; as do we. Light leads us in many ways and can show and hide many things. Zaha Hadid’s projects are familiar for her striking design language that boast both curvaceous and orthogonal forms. Her designs are often formulated and inspired by the fragmentation and fluidity which has led to her utilising the medium of light in a way that it has now become and integral part in the interpretation of her architecture. In her early days Zaha Hadid was prominently in favour of using raw, cool materials like concrete. She used these cooler materials in the Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein and later The Phaeno
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Both architecture and life without light is something we would not want to imagine being a part of. Light is an incredible architectural medium that has an impact on the way we view both architecture and life. The way we interpret such designs does not come from the materiality or tectonic qualities, but rather the way the design interacts, plays and flirts with light.
A. Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou, China B. Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan C. Phaeno Science Center, Wolfsburg, Germany D. Vitra Fire Station, Weil am Rhein, Germany
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IDEA
Seek Light is an Expansion Expansion is defined by the action of becoming larger or more extensive. This metaphor works extremely well with the overall theme of light as it is boundless.
Light is very intriguing in that it has no boundaries and will always seek to become larger than it already is.
Through visualising this metaphor and generating an idea, the main design approach that is being communicated is the burst of light from a small space to a larger space.
Concepts This first concept is based on the shape of a megaphone and how sound is transmitted through the narrow end to become amplified. The same principle applies to light.
This concept is based igloos and the ability they have to retain light and heat while still seeking to enlarge itself.
This third concept is based on the idea of the light wavering around obstacles in its way to reach a larger space. We may choose to interact with light in the same manner.
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IDEA Final Concept
With a combination of the previously dicussed concepts, this final design tries to create a space that interacts with light in all the ways stated.
There are spaces that are filled with lots of natural light in contrast to the darker interiors of the rooms below them.
There is interaction with light on a vertical axis , but also on a horizontal axis. The narrow ramp and pedestrian access point opens up to a big exhibition room.
Precedent The Sydney Green Square Library and Plaza was the main design inspiration for the concepts that were conceived.
The library and plaza is predominantly built underground but has very striking orthogonal forms that protrude from the earth which results in a very interesting composition.
The interesting and unique geometric forms act as a signifier that directs the potential users of the space to the main entrance of the library.
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REFLECTION LINGUISTIC DEFINITION
reflection re·flec·tion ear definitnions of reflection 1. an instance of reflecting 2. the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it 3. serious thought or consideration
PHILISOPHICAL MEANING Reflection is a process of things reproducing themselves, under the influence of other things, traces, imprints of the things that influence. This can be, environmental reflections in terms of the shaping of an animal or individual in their immediate context. Along with the reproduction of images on transparent and
translucent surfaces that allow an accurate representation of the subject. Reflection as a human is also relevant on a mental, emotional and spiritual level with the desire to always become a better and happier version of yourself which is undertaken with self-reflection.
MEANING IN ARCHITECTURE Modernism was a movement that very much promoted the transparency of glass architecture and was a real revelation for some time. Within these urban communities, the design model of a glass faรงade steel structure was becoming monotonous and was boring the citizens, with even Mies van der Rohe using elements such as trademark mullions to break up his facades and cultivate some added interest. In response to the tedious nature of these skyscrapers, unconventional reinterpretations of the flat faced faรงade were in full flight. Architecture had now shifted from the internal space form towards the external surface.
Birmingham at the Messe Basel New Hall. Architects Herzog & de Meuron introduced a linear interpretation of light reflections. With twisting bands of aluminium stretching a great distance along the building they are far from the regular faรงade treatments. The way in which these lengthy, twisting bands of aluminium create interest is through their reflective qualities. The bands that are facing towards the sky and catch the sun reflect much more of the light as opposed to those bands and openings that are facing towards the ground. These bands are still reflecting that of which is opposite to them resulting in a very powerful contrast of reflections between the different angles of the bands. Reflection is a powerful element in both architecture and life. In life we are subject to reflection and self-discovery through these means and within architecture we can see physical representations of the term reflection in ways that create striking compositions and contrast.
Such unconventional reinterpretations of the boring flat faรงade can be found in
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A. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California, USA B. SAHMRI, Adelaide, Australia C. Messe Basel - New Hall, Basel, Switzerland D. Selfridges, Birmingham, England
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FORM
Plan, Section, Elevation & Exploded Axonometric Interesting geometric shapes have been created and connected through small walkways that emphasis the metaphor of expansion.w Both light and people are drawn towards the small narrow walkways and poorly lit rooms that are eventually flooded with both light and space.
Exploded Axonometric
Elevation 1:500
Section 1:500
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Ground Floor Level Plan 1:500
Key Locations & Rooms 2 1 6
Lower Ground Floor Level Plan 1:500
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1. 2. 3. 4.
Exhibition Room Seminar Rooms Reading Room Reception
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Ramp access for all users Storage Area Library Toilets (M/F/D)
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FORM Context
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FORM Collage
Folded Forms
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O PA C I TY LINGUISTIC DEFINITION
opacity opac·i·ty ear definitnions of opacity 1. obscurity of sense 2. the quality or state of a body that makes it impervious to the rays of light broadly
PHILISOPHICAL MEANING Opacity is the quality of being difficult to see through and as humans this is something that is relevant to our everyday. Our understanding on different topics and knowledgeable means are based on the transparency and opacity of such information. As humans we also decide how opaque we are to other people and experiences.
An opacity of light is just as important as to not overwhelm us with a wealth of it, as is with life.
MEANING IN ARCHITECTURE The Scandinavian countries have been able to design great buildings that are very much resonate with both the scarce winter light and the long summer days. This was prompted by the extreme changes in weather and daylight that have then led to unique light situations. Architects have experimented with white surfaces to counterbalance the long dark winter days that are common in the Scandinavian countries. The low position of the sun in these northern regions means that daylight enters, more so, from the side than above, creating long shadows. In contrast, summer evenings emanate a diffuse light.
They have documented these studies with extensive photo journeys and writing that combines both analytics and poetry. Plummer believes that the daylight looks beyond its practical advantages of using these reflective white spaces to create bright rooms; he is much more interested in the way that the light effects flirt with the local beauty of nature and touch the human soul and how this connection can impact. Opaque and transparent surfaces have the ability to fathom different lighting situations and vibes without the need of compromising for smaller openings that the light can penetrate through.
Henry Plummer and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have carefully studied the various daylight phenomena in these Nordic countries.
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A. Nordyjllands Art Museum, Aalborg, Denmark B. Dybkær Church, Silkeborg, Denmark C. Hyvinkää Church, Hyvinkää, Finland D. Dybkær Church, Silkeborg, Denmark
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MATERIAL Concrete
Concerete and glass are the two materials that are utilised in this design . The use of concrete has been inspired by Japanese architect Tadao Ando’s elegant use of the material in creating firm yet gentle forms of architecure. Concrete holds a very unique atmospheric quality with its tendancy to effortlessly project striking, yet soft shadows among its surface.
Construction details illustrating the methods by which the large glass will be joint to the concrete in order to achieve a minimal aesthetic whilst being a safe and functional space for its users.
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MATERIAL Glass
Glass has been used due to its transulence and its ease in generating a pleasant and roomy spatial atmosphere. Glass can be seen as the softer of the two materials in terms of its visual aesthetic and adds great contrast to the overall composition.
The glass used is very transparent and creates a massive contrast in comparison to the Ingkarni Wardli and Braggs buildings. These buildings both use glass that have reflective properties that do not allow a view inside from and external viewpoint.
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FILTRATION LINGUISTIC DEFINITION
filtration fil·tra·tion definitnions of filtration 1. the proccess of filtering 2. the process of passsing as if through a filter
PHILISOPHICAL MEANING ear through
Filtration is a process of a certain matter, liquid, gas or substance passing through a lattice like structure with intention to have only a certain quality of the object pass through whilst excluding the rest to do so. Filtration is also a way of acquiring new knowledge through an act of intellectual osmosis
and with that we can extraordinary things. Filtration is a man-made concept and is one that can be used in all facets of this life.
create a harsh contrast between the wall and rood to construct and illusion that the roof, is indeed, floating.
MEANING IN ARCHITECTURE
Le Corbusier demonstrates his vast knowledge and understanding of the medium of light and how it can be manifested into creating different atmospheres and evoking different emotions as we like.
A project that uses filtration as the main process when interacting with light is Le Corbusier’s Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France. The main characteristic of this design is seen to be the continuous circle of solar events that are dependent on many factors that make it so fascinating. When the sun rises it has different solar qualities compared to when it is midday and once again when it is starting to set. This very much has an impact along with cloud density and current season. It is seen when the dawning sun illuminates the alcove of the side chapel and the redpainted void becomes even redder. Later in the day, sun begins to flood the tall slot between the east and south walls with continuous rays of light filtering through the deep cavities of the southern wall. The small horizontal crack of ten centimetres at the roof line allows light to penetrate to
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Le Corbusier’s “The Poem of the Right Angle The sun master of our lives far off indifferent He is the visitor – an overlord he enters our house In setting he says good evening to this mossy earth (oh trees) to these puddles everywhere (oh seas) and to our lofty wrinkles (Andes, Alps and Himalayas). And the lamps are lit up. Punctual machine turning since time immemorial awakens every instant of the twenty-four hours the gradatvion the nuance the imperceptible almost providing a measure. Yet brutally he breaks it twice – night and day – these two phases rule our destiny: A sun rises a sun sets a sun rises anew
A. Church of Saint-Pierre, Firminy, France B. Church of Saint-Pierre, Firminy, France C. Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France D. Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France
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Jared Clark // Representation II // a1747599