The importance of modeling (digital and physical) in this project is a direct reflection of the necessity of architecture to be real. Architecture without realization is art, something I am not personally interested in pursuing. Realization is the motivation behind production and is what requires one to solve problems creatively.
I am pursuing my project as a study of process. Through the program of a theater I intend to make the argument that sustainable practices can be conceptual motivation for architecture, in this case using building performance as an active part of the theater performance. The passively lit theater will be a case study which I can design and test through computer and physical modeling to determine absolutely whether proposed systems actually work.
Revised Methodology:
The place I am currently in my process is looking for mentors. I need to find someone who I can use for technical help and reference.
The main elements of this project will be repeated and exhaustive modeling of systems. Primarily through the use of Ecotect software and physical models, principles of light and optical effects will be manipulated to produce dramatic lighting effects typically produced with electrical lighting, without diminishing performance expectations of lighting designers and production crew members in the theater. This will require greater study of the specific manipulation of light and the application of learned principles in physical form. Models will be applied to the digital or natural light source and evaluated repeatedly to inform revised iterations.
Annotated Bibliography
Inspiration:
Ando, Tadao. The colours of light / Tadao Ando architecture. London : Phaidon, 1996.
This book explores the effect of shape, mass, texture and contrast on how light is perceived. *
Flavin, Dan, Dan Flavin : the architecture of light. New York : The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation ; distributed by Harry N. Abrams, c1999.
This book shows examples by Flavin using artificial light focusing on subtle color and temperature differences, and on the use of contrast. *
Asensio Cerver, Francisco. The architecture of glass : shaping light. New York, NY : Arco ; Distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Watson-Guptil, 1997.
This book looks at the effects of layered transparencies and refractions.
Marpillero, S. James Carpenter : environmental refractions. New York : Princeton Architectural Press, 2006.
This book shows the architectural applications of artistic interventions about refraction, reflectivity and compressive strength of glass.
Eliasson, Olafur. Take your time : Olafur Eliasson. San Francisco, Calif. : San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ; New York, N.Y. : Thames & Hudson, 2007.
This book shows pictures and explanations of Eliasson's works in light and with optical effects.
Plummer, Henry. The architecture of natural light. New York : Monacelli Press ; London : Thames & Hudson, 2009.
This book is a survey of contemporary architecture in light. It talks about the phenomenological effects of natural lighting.
Technical References:
Rice, Peter. An Engineer imagines. London : Artemis, c1994.
This book details the Full Moon Theater by Peter Rice, a project which is a close precedent. *
Keller, Max. Light fantastic : the art and design of stage lighting. Munich ; New York : Prestel, 2010.
This book discusses the more practical requirements of lighting for theatrical performances.
Michael Bell and Jeannie Kim. Engineered transparency : the technical, visual, and spatial effects of glass. New York : Princeton Architectural Press, c2009.
This book talks about the use of glass in architecture and links phenomenological applications to advances in engineering that allowed them.
White, Anthony G. Architectural daylighting : a recent bibliography. Monticello, Ill. : Vance Bibliographies, 1984.
This book provides a good resource for finding new projects that deal particularly with how light works.
books marked with a star have been read.
The model below shows a scalable parti exploring how one would catch, concentrate and redirect light for the theater purposes.
