Light Revealing Experiences

“Light Revealing Architecture”

Kathryn Frye

Light is not only experiential but can also reveal past experiences. The fact that we only know what we experience affects many of our cultural and personal choices. Almost every person has experienced light in one way or another. How we interpret this light depends entirely on our environment or experiences. “But almost all human beings have experienced daylight, moonlight, starlight, and firelight” (Millet 6). The relationships between light and place, light and nature, light and climate, light and time, and light and task influence designers in their choices for lighting and help “extend their value beyond mere function” (Millet 6).

Light can reveal much about the place such as the color of the sky, the colors that are cast on the ground, or the colors reflected from water. Many visuals from light signify the place, time of day, or time of year. These light-related experiences depict our rituals which vary from place to place. This variation in light should occur in interiors. Millet states that places can be memorable because of the light. I found it interesting that water creates different moods, and its reflection brings more light into a space. The relationship between light and water reminds me of the many trips I have taken with my friend’s family to Kerr Lake. The lot that they purchased was purposely chosen to face west for sunsets. Our nights usually revolve around the time of the sunset. We will have dinner prepared and eat on the dock before the sunset. While we watch the sunset, everyone sits quietly, marveling at the colors and the silhouettes of the trees. The reflection adds a quality of warmth that changes throughout the year, depending on the season. This experience of light has created many memories and confirms how light denotes more than just a function. It alters how, when, and where we perform a function.

Windows are an important role in the filtration of light which reveals a strong sense of place. The paper-paneled openings in Japanese homes not only protect people from the hot, humid summers but also provide a means of ventilation. Millet mentions that, although they do not ensure noise control, these partitions are a “physical object that represents a psychological barrier” (10). This idea of something acting as a barrier to sound reminds me of the meditation room in the Elliot University Center. The partitions in the room allow light to permeate through the frosted glass yet create a sense of privacy. As with the Japanese partitions, the frosted glass forms a psychological barrier. Along the Netherlands’ canals, houses are positioned in rows for every home to have views of the canal. Windows take up the majority of the wall space on either end of the house to allow as much light in as possible. Italian windows are large which promotes conversation with people on the street. The shutters still allow ventilation when direct sunlight is not necessary. Often, building design fails to consider the importance of light. The function of the space and its occupants reveals a great amount as to what the light quality should be.

Looking at light in nature can inspire the quality of light in interiors. Nature captures many forms of light, patterns, and colors. When designers incorporate these aspects into interior settings, a visual connection occurs, creating memorable experiences. Millet refers to Frank Lloyd Wright and the decisions he made regarding the windows in the Robie House. Wright’s abstracted patterns from nature “introduced in the colors, textures, and shapes of the window glazing is set against the view of nature, so that the barrier between inside and outside seems to dissolve and the two images merge in a phenomenal transparency” (15). Wright also incorporated nature into his electrical lighting of the cabaret at Taliesein West, using stringing lights to remind one of a starry night. Stars evoke movement and mystery, which may explain why they are popular choices for outdoor or nighttime settings. Stars twinkle and this movement correlates with the movement of music, dance or even the fluctuation of voice during conversation. Stringing lights create a more comfortable setting, providing enough light to see yet creating a sense of privacy. This relationship of light with nature can create a deeper connection with the place and promote better function.

Climate affects people’s comfort, culture, and rituals. The amount of light in a room varies depending on the climate. However, light can also transform a space and the levels of comfort. Introducing gold or warmer wood tones can create a more comfortable atmosphere. Not only are the material choices important in various places, but also the ways in which the material is manipulated. In Barcelona, the sunny climate would create much glare if the walls were flat. The use of patterned walls cast shadows reducing the brightness. Light can create much heat in a building, and the direction of the light must be considered. In the Gatewood Studio Arts building, for example, room 204 acquires much heat because it faces south and the parking lot. All the heat from the black pavement emits through the glass but then is trapped, working like a greenhouse. This situation requires screens and energy to keep the space at a comfortable temperature. Understanding the climate can help designers in the choices of light to let in.

The time of day is another consideration for lighting in the design of a building. For example, I have rehearsal for a singing group in a space without windows. When I leave the space, I am always confused as to what time it is. In interior spaces, cues from light are needed to know what time of day it is. We often misuse daylight and rely on electric lighting. “In most industrialized countries of the world, we are used to mixing daylight and electric light, or even depending almost entirely on electric light. There might be windows for views, but we flip the switch when we need to “see” (29). Many tasks determines the quality of light. Famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright configured work spaces and its lighting to accommodate the workers. Millet mentions a library is the relationship between the light, book, and reader while the museum focuses on the relationship between the light, the art, and viewer (32).

All these relationships between light and environment affect people. Designers should recognize these relationships and apply them to interiors. Lighting does signify more than a mere function. Daylight and electric lighting are important aspects of our experience in various spaces and should be given more thought than just turning on the switch.

“Lighting Revealing Experience” by Marietta Millet from the book Light Revealing Architecture, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.