Light and form : perception in the built environment

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how light and form affect the experience of place--that is, influence human response--and to understand some principles of manipulating light and form to achieve these responses. The thesis is a journey through many paths and places; some are literal in their expression of the author's ideas, others are more subtly experienced. Six physical settings have been chosen which relate to path and place and the connections between the two. Each of these settings provides a different opportunity for light and form to enhance the experience of place. Observations are made in each setting, and are then studied through built references, diagrams, and discussion. The method of exploration and presentation is primarily graphical, as it should be, because it is through our sense of sight that we best appreciate light and form.