Aperture

Abstract

Light is constantly changing and has had a signi icant role within architecture for millennia. This thesis aims to explore the relationship between architecture and natural light. As light is such a broad topic, this relationship is considered by investigating the individual parts. At every possible stage of the investigation, both research and experimentation in the form of physical modelling are presented to provide an accurate perspective and analysis of the relationship. As the majority of what we see is re lected light, the materiality of each model is carefully considered and analysed to explore the way light is absorbed and re lected towards our eyes. The scope of the research and investigation is limited to the relationship between the sun, the landscape on earth, and the architecture sited within that landscape. Arti icial light is not considered in this study as it is a static light, unaffected by climatic conditions and the constant revolving geometry of the planet. Natural light from the sun is constantly changing, contributing to an ever-changing visual experience within architecture. Initially, a history of light in architecture is explored to give a context in which to compare and contrast any contemporary or future design. The scienti ic background to light is also explored to contextualise it in physical terms in relation to architecture. Many in luential architects design their buildings with great attention to how light interacts with the structure, to enhance the way it is perceived. Architects such as Steven Holl, Louis Kahn and Le Corbusier have also published works to support and highlight the signi icance of natural light in creating atmosphere within their buildings. Precedent studies by these architects are presented to investigate how existing architecture has successfully used light. Small thematically based sub chapters within each main chapter build to form a holistic view on the overall relationship between light and architecture. “Light and…” explores the direct relationship between light and structures with reference to architectural examples. “The Fourth Dimension” considers the role of changing light with architecture over time. “Engagement” then focuses on how humans perceive and experience architectural spaces. The ideas and theories explored throughout the work culminate in a proposal for a Tomb of Light on Chatham Island. The Moriori people, who once inhabited the island, provided inspiration for a structure, which preserves the memory of the Moriori people and their culture. Carvings on trees are a legacy of these original inhabitants and the tomb responds to a desire to provide a memorial. Images of the carvings on trees, which are deteriorating rapidly, are also recreated as part of this lasting memory.