Week 10 - Talking with Light (Project Presentation)

TALKING WITH LIGHT

Video Presentation

Introduction - Written Statement

Light is fundamental to defining and influencing one's experience of a space. However, how do you increase the access of light whilst also dealing with privacy?

The room I studied operates as both a sleeping and studying space, but is overlooked by a neighbouring house. Thus, in my project “Talking with Light”, I aim to utilise shadow and light to communicate the private areas (sleeping) and public areas (studying) of the room.

A majority of photos are presented in black and white to further emphasise the concept of light and dark, without the distractions of colour.

Throughout the project, I experimented with screens, facade skins, orientation and openings to achieve my aim.

Original Room Plan and Section 1:20

Diagram of my House

Model 1 - Chamfered Light

Concept Drawings

 Photo 1 (1:20)

The first model studies the program in relation to light. Thus, the upper chamfered window allows direct light to the study space, whilst a low chamfered window allows reflected light into the sleeping space. The brightness of light defines the program of the space without physically dividing the room. 

Model 2 - Folded Light

Concept Drawings

 Photo 2 (1:20)

 Photo 3 (1:20)

Leaning against the wall, the geometric curve of the folded screen creates a small transitional space that is between inside and outside. The difference of transparency in paper and cardboard also affects the brightness of light in the space, informing me of the effects of materials in this study.

Model 3 - Height & Light

Concept Drawing

 Photo 4 (1:50)

 Photo 5 (1:50)

This model experimented with the elements of double heights and skylights. The tall, slanted wall is able to use its angle and distance to diffuse the direct noon light, creating a gentle gradient that fades as the light travels to the lower floor (Photo 4). Due to the sleeping and studying spaces being separated by a level, the upper floor can be much more open to light without disturbing the lower floor (Photo 5)

Model 4 - Leading Light

Concept Drawing

 Photo 6 (1:50)

 Photo 7 (1:50) - Morning

 Photo 8 (1:50) - Afternoon

 Photo 9 (1:50) - Evening

The next model was based around the idea of using light to lead and direct different experiences at different times of the day. The lightening-like pattern changes as it climbs up the wall or snakes across the floor as a result of the angle of the sun. This created a play between time, light and shadow, giving the room a sense of dynamic movement.

Model 5 - Dappled Light

Concept Drawings

 Photo 10 (1:20)

 Photo 11 (1:20)

 Photo 12 (1:20)

 Photo 13 (1:20)

Taking inspiration from the tree in my backyard, the organic pattern of the tree-like screen helps filter the light as well as act as a privacy screen. Photo 6 shows the shadow effect of the screen and how it also makes a space more interesting than compared to Photo 11, which is without the screen.

In Photo 13, the material textures of timber, brick and grass are used to create a warm and homely atmosphere.

Conclusion

Refined Iterative Model

For the refined iterative model, I tried to create a model that incorporated the strengths of the previous exploration models, and improve upon the weaknesses identified. The main ideas I focused on were:

• The chamfered windows and idea of using light and shadow to separate space from Model 1.
• The slanted wall to diffuse a skylight light in Model 3.
• The idea of playing with time, shadow and light, thus creating movement in the space in Model 4.
• The organic facade from Model 5 and its narrative concept of bringing nature indoors.
• In Model 2 I realised that the form language of the folded screen and room are too different and not cohesive. This made me set a requirement for myself where screen facade should be continuous and cohesive with the rest of the building.

Concept Drawing

 Photo 14 (1:20)

 Photo 15 (1:20)

 Photo 16 (1:20) - Early Morning Light 

 Photo 17 (1:20) - Mid Morning Light 

 Photo 18 (1:20) - Afternoon Light

 Photo 19 (1:20) - Evening Light

 Photo 20

The culmination of the previous reflections led me to this design.

The morning sun lights up the study side of the room while the sleeping side has a low light coming from the chamfered window. The afternoon light stretches the screen pattern over the slanted wall, generating equal light and shadow around the room. In the evening, the room has dimmed, and the dappled shadow almost seems to connect with the screen through the window.

The organic façade wraps around the openings to form a continuous feature as well as giving the feeling of being surrounded by a forest.

Overall, the design was able to meet the aims I set out at the beginning and through the explorative models I was able to learn and test different concepts which helped in giving direction to the development of the refined model.