How Does an Architect Work with Light?
We say in the introduction to our website:
“We pay particular attention to the character of the light and work with it as a form-defining element to sculpt the architecture. This, combined with close attention to the details of the client’s program, gives birth to buildings that feel ‘right’ in their particular landscape – something that is deeply felt by our clients.”
So how do we use the “character” and form-defining quality of light in designing a home otherwise built of steel, wood, or stone? Here are a few ways, with examples from our recent work.
Light can do many things: it illuminates, of course, but it also can set moods: bright and cheerful to start your day, perhaps; romantic or tranquil or creating surprise, delight, or drama as it draws attention to specific architectural features or artwork.
Light (and shadow) also define shapes, as when a clerestory window casts its light on a long wall, thereby creating two distinct spaces.
Thoughtful placement and shape of windows (and window coverings), atriums, and skylights can take advantage of the movement of the sun through the day and through the seasons, so that the light is always “working” to complement the architecture, room by room.
Archaeo Architects also considers the cost savings and benefit to the planet from using natural light over artificial, but with modern lighting technologies, we often use the two together.
We used every form and character of light in the intentionally named Chapel of Light (designed for all or non-denominational memorials). Here’s part of the description from the project page on our website:
“The space is also sculpted by way of natural & artificial light – RGB lighting around the perimeter can wash the plaster walls in limitless colors. The interior rings are lit with ribbon light. There are no exposed light fixtures anywhere in the chapel. The only two windows in the space mark the summer and winter solstices… The overall intent was to create a space of light and brightness as a way to help celebrate the life of the individual and perhaps assuage the darkness of death.”
Chapel of Light – Santa Fe New Mexico Architect Firm (archaeoarchitects.com)
Here are just two homes where we’ve made special use of light; browse through the photos on these (and all of our) projects:
- Burnside – Santa Fe New Mexico Architect Firm (archaeoarchitects.com): All of the design elements in our Burnside project were determined with the idea of light being a form-defining element.
- Larson Residence – Santa Fe New Mexico Architect Firm (archaeoarchitects.com): Various massings and planes are pushed and pulled apart to allow natural light to wash the interior in unique, unexpected ways.