The forms of light, and the experiences that are derived from encountering light are innumerable. In the beginning of the reading the author, Marietta Millet, describes one's understanding and experience of light as being "...grounded in the place or places with which we are familiar"(5). She goes on to write, "A desert dweller cannot imagine the sunlight filtering through leaves, nor a forest dweller the sparkling expanse of the sea(5)". Fortunately, the society that I live in has exposed me to a plethora of light experiences, many of which have resonated within me a sense awe and wonderment. These experiences are ones that as a designer I will later pull from in hopes to recreate an emotion or memory for others to take part in. Undeniably, light is an integral part in daily life that influences nature, culture, traditions, places, climates, and the environment as well as numerous other aspects.
It is astounding to think that at this very moment, the way I am experiencing light is a unique experience that isn't shared by everyone. As I write this paper, the sun has set, and I am using electricity as a means to see. However for my friend in New Zealand, it is early afternoon and the sun is up. My circadian rhythm, prompted by the setting of the sun, is inclining me to soon seek rest, while the sun on her side of the world is motivating her to be awake and active. So not only are we experiencing light differently visually, but biologically we are effected by the sun in different ways as well.
Nonetheless, even if the sun were up for both of us, we still would not be sharing similar experiences. The angle of the sun is different in both locations as it is nearing the end of summer here in America, while in New Zealand Spring is about to bud forth. The author uses the term "genius loci" which can be translated as the spirit of a place. Regional differences play a huge role on differing light experiences, but it is not the only factor that differentiates our two experiences. Cultures have developed methods and techniques as a way of manipulating and transforming light to fit into their patterns of living, further influencing traditions and lifestyles. So not only does light affect the spirit of a place, but its indirect effects of shaping cultures and environments additionally impacts and influences the spirit of a place.
Light and time go hand in hand with the spirit of the place. Light has always helped mankind to keep record of time. Each region has its unique display of light that is repeated in cycles both daily, and seasonally. Daily we encounter this relationship of light and time as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening. But even those patterns gradually shift, as the days become shorter towards the winter, and lengthen in the summer. One of the most notable seasonal differences I have observed is when the sun's angle begins to shift at the beginning of fall. No longer is the sun as direct, and the soft light seems to further highlight the beauty of nature. During this season, the atmosphere and "spirit of the place" all begins to change as a result of the sun. All around the world people have made their own associations with seasons, and they use light as a method to track time and the seasons within the year. Light will forever aid in telling the story of time.
The unfailing cycle of the earth and sun is incredible, and simply beautiful. Nature's display of light has undoubtedly surpassed any man's ability to create luminosity. Nature's light has a way of awakening senses, and stirring liveliness. However, the patterns of light that are seen in nature do serve as a powerful model "...for designing the luminous qualities of rooms" (15). Both natural and electric light can be used hand in hand to transform a space. Light elements found in nature can be recreated and altered in order to suit the functions of life. Humans have developed means to not only let natural light in, but also ways to control it. Les Halles that once stood in Paris, served as an excellent example of a way to regulate and filter light by emulating nature. By observing elements found in nature such as tree trunks, the designer was able to repeat similar elements that aided in filtering light while creating a warm environment. Windows, blinds, draperies, and shutters are also all methods that have been developed to transform light to fit the needs of the individual.
As stated previously, regional differences affect the climate of a place, and subsequently effect the environmental demands of that particular region. Windows patently allow light to penetrate into a space, but heat gain and heat loss are also factors that impact and influence the shape and sizes of windows. Although window treatments have been designed to control the amount of light entering a room, they are still inadequate to regulate heat gain and heat loss. Varying climates around the world and the need for thermal comfort contribute to the abundance of window sizes. However, climate also "...affects people, their habits, and their rituals"(17). There will always remain the battle of creating a window that suits the habits and fulfills the desired function. Visually large windows are often preferred, but realistically thermal control has to be considered. "Providing balance, both visual and physiological... falls to the architect"(17).
Another issue raised when designing and choosing windows for a space is to consider what the function of the space is. Depending on what tasks are to be performed in the space, variation in lighting choices are to be expected. For example, if the function of a space is meant to be a place to study and read, then you would want to provide adequate light so that one's eyes would not be strained, while also avoiding intense amounts of light that would cause glare. The author of the article explains the relationship of light and task well by stating, "Many comfortable luminous environments for visual work or play are the result of sensitive observation and common sense" (34.)
The tie that light has to all nature and things is extraordinary. It can be seen in almost every aspect of life, and its impact far exceeds all that I will ever be able to comprehend. Light directly influences and transforms nature as a whole, the climate of regions, the tracking of time, and aids in accomplishing daily tasks. Light holistically effects every aspect of life and without the sun, we would cease to exist. As technology continues to develop, many more variations of lighting will soon become available, and the quality of light within interiors will inevitably increase in quality as well. Light in every form has shaped people's life's and has created experiences that can not be forgotten.
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