NOTES ON EXHIBITION CURATION

Whilst the subject of Louis Kahn and his work was the forefront of this exhibition, the processes between each piece had their own structure and steps. In order to most accurately answer the question behind the relationship Kahn built between monochromatic materials and natural lighting, it was fundamental that the exhibition had an array of different mediums and works. When curating the event, it was decided upon starting that a minimum of seven pieces would be created, this number combined with the various art forms allowed for the widest scope to aid in answering the set research question.

The question itself acted as a guide for the investigation to follow. Understanding the mind of Louis Kahn was considered as dire as knowing his portfolio, so when gathering information for the exhibit a multitude of interviews and biographies were referred to as well as his own hand drawings, and architectural plans. In order to recognize the relationship between light and building materials a combination of digital collage, sketching, photoshop, and model making were utilised to allow audiences to better visualise and acknowledge the symbiosis between the two focuses.

For the purpose of highlighting natural light without becoming tiresome or monotonous, bright colours and effects were used within each piece, as well as shading techniques and variations in the 3D models. All of the works created had at least one image of Kahn’s designs involved, this was an intentional choice so patrons would be able to clearly see and understand how shadows and the monochromatic materials were interconnected. If hypothetical buildings or other architects works were used this would have lead viewers to have to work harder to see the relationship between the two factors in specifically Louis Kahn’s products.

Foreword

‘Behind the Eyes of Louis Kahn’ explores into the relationship between monochromatic materials and natural lighting. It looks into how the two complement and contrast one another, and what this means for us as a viewer when creating an effective and visually striking piece of architecture.

This projects outcome is to resolve a cohesive conclusion regarding the relationship between materials and lighting, and from this allowing us as creatives to innovate and contemplate a range of factors when producing or designing a considered space.

AIM: To understand and acknowledge the relationship between monochromatic building materials and natural lighting, and how these factors visually and physically enhance one another.

METHOD: Through the use of design, involving built models, digital collages, sketches, and digital media. As well as this, considered research into Louis Kahn, including not only his design philosphies but interviews, and observing his own personal sketch books. These wide range of sources allow for us to make informed conclusions regarding the social, cultural, and economic affects of his works, presenting into current architecture also.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What was the relationship between Louis Kahn’s intentional use of monochromatic materials and natural lighting within his buildings, and how/has this knowledge informed contemporary urban design practices?

Exploration into light and materials but more specifically; contrasting, juxtsaposing, enhancing, and shadow casting