4.1.1.3 The Character of Space

Orchestration of darkness and light in architecture.

strengthened as the light washes through the small gap between the vertical walls and the ceiling on the south and east side of the chapel.

Figure 4.4: Notre dame de haut- Interior showing light entry.

4.1.1.3 The Character of Space

The religious character of the space is defined by the mystery of the shadows, and the way light reveals the overall form of the chapel. The softness in the light, as it reflects from the textured surfaces, gives a muted expression to the space. The light, as it is seen entering from the different openings in the south wall, helps in removing the bulkiness in the mass of the building and, combined with the curvilinear roof, contributes to a light and free floating form of the chapel.

The small size of the chapel, seen enclosed by thick walls as it isolates the spatial envelope from the exterior, creates a static and silent character that is broken on the periphery by the placement of major openings of light. The sacred nature of the space is embedded in the closed quality of the space and the peaceful interaction with the exterior through the entry of the natural light into the dark interiors. The form has been generated out of simple curves that give the spatial envelope a free flowing geometry and highlights the continuity between different surfaces and boundary edges.