Hypothetical Structures: Collapsible Light
daylight, physical structures, volume
– hand drawing, 3DS Max –
The idea of containing daylight, of temporarily holding or controlling it is important in generating spatial atmosphere, visibility and maximizing energy efficiency. While strategic positioning of glazing and transparency is the most frequent approach, there are also other ways to control daylight. Using the notion of a collapsible Chinese lantern, daylight can be manipulated in an adjustable structural volume that can be extended or compressed. Just as a lantern illuminates the space around it from an internal light source, there is potential for light to be captured and filtered through architectural elements that can be directed to where it is needed the most.
Giving form to light expresses the desire to delineate space through the manipulation of an ephemeral quality. The light wells can be used as spatial dividers that change according to the time of day. The main concept is for light to be viewed volumetrically, and to envision inhabitation and navigation within the voids produced by natural light.
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