To build with light : an exploration into the relationship between light, space, and built form

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to look at how light works with form to generate space. The thesis attempts to deal with the physical reality that light, space and form exist in a symbiotic relationship. The thesis deals with this relationship by exploring the architectural phenomenon that are generated from this relationship. It therefore does not try to deal with light in a technical manner, nor does it attempt to delve into the metaphysical and emotive qualities that can be attributed to light. The thesis uses a cyclical process of observation, analysis and testing. A wide range of references are presented both in the form of images and actual built lighting models. These are organized into five categories of light phenomenon and analyzed for underlying principles of the light form relationship. The principles abstracted from this research are then tested in a design.