Theme 7 Light and Colour

Role of natural light in architecture

it can change the perception of space

3 kinds of natural light

1. frontal light - poor light

2. light that is too intense

3. adequate light - expressed colour and texture

Name the 3 paradigmatic cases of interaction of light and space

1. open covered space

2. closed space with zenithal light

3. closed space with lateral light

Which building uses open covered space?

Farnsworth House

Name of building, architect, date, where, movement

Farnsworth House, Mies van der Rohe, 1951, Illinois, International Style

What is the psychological effect of making all walls transparent?

vulnerability, lack of intimacy and privacy, integration with nature

How does light enter the house?

filtered by the trees

Influence + meaning of elevating the house on a platform

inspired by the Parthenon:

1. both have columns

2. both have to be “climbed” to reach

3. temple of dwelling

Elevating it makes it sacred

Which building uses closed space with zenithal light?

Church in Bagsvaerd

Name of building, architect, date

Church in Bagsveard, Utzon, 1976

Analysis of plan and elevation

Plan - rigid, regular spaces

Elevation - abstract free forms

How does the light enter the church?

Comes from a high-positioned sidelight and is reflected down the ceiling’s white, curved surfaces

What is the metaphor Uzton creates with the light + meaning

faithful people meet under the clouds +

Give an example of a closed space with later light + how light is introduced

gothic cathedral + rose window

Name the two types of light in arch

natural and artificial

Name of buildingm architect, date

Viipuri Library, Alvar Aalto, 1935

How is the main reading room in the library lit?

with a regular grid of conical skylights

What is the use of the grid of skylights?

eliminates direct sunlight and diffuses the light

Features of the banister + meaning

seems to be floating, weightless + separates interior and exterior until people have checked in

Name the problem with concentrated light, skylights, lateral light

1. sensation of small space

2. light is too diffused

3. light doesn’t penetrate deep inside

Name of building, architect, date, where, movement

Technical University in Otaniemi, Alvar Aalto, 1949, Finland, organicist period

How is light introduced?

light is moulded + driven softly inside the building

What is the goal of expressionist arch?

to prokove sensations not just carry out a function

Precedent of expressionism

art nouveau

Expressionist architect

Gaudí

Name of building, architect, date, mouvement

Philamornie of Berlin, Scharoun, 1963, expressionist

Shapes in the plan? Composition?

irregular and broken / orchestra is in the centre - innovation and sense of intimacy

Effect of the plan

as though it is about to burst - grows from the inside to outside

Analysis of the façade

dynamic, dramatic, colourful

Name of building, architects, where

Palacio Euskalduna, Soriano-Palacios, Bilbao

What idea meant this project is rooted in its environment?

the site was previously a shipbuilding site - idea: the building is the last ship in the dock - built lie a ship

Name of building, architect, date, where

Church of Light, Tadao Ando, 1989, Osaka

What is the use of light in this church?

the cross is made of light as a material

What is arch determined by? what is used to remark its character?

shape / colour

Name of building, architects, date, where

Housing block, MVRDV-Lleó, 2004, Madrid