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This investigation focuses on studying how light and shadow influence the experience of time and place (space), with these findings then being applied to Detroit. This investigation broadly began through summer travels with the possibility of determining if sunlight differs in every country/ region. Olafur Eliasson, an Icelandic artist, raised this question while completing sunlight research for his artworks. He conducted a simple study where he took a photo of a blank sheet of paper in every country he visited to compare if the daylight was different. The study used a sketchbook, and the results were different, but there were a few controlled elements that needed to be included to capture these results. Although this study mainly began focusing on European regions, architecture played a significant role in how these countries have reacted to the amount of sunlight they receive. This created an identity for each specific place that has been a climate reaction, creating a sense of culture and history for those regions. Jun'ichirō Tanizaki illustrates this distinction of how light and shadow can identify cultures in his book In Praise of Shadow. Similarly, Simon Unwin analyses and identifies specific prominent shadow types in various countries that create their sense of place and identity in Shadow, the architectural power of withholding light. Combining all the findings and analysis from Eliasson, Tanizaki, Unwin, and many more brought this curiosity of identifying the sunlight in Detroit by conducting various studies, sketches, and analyses of how Detroit’s light and shadow can be celebrated.
This thesis investigation comprises four framework concepts: time, place, experience, and moment, derived from precedent studies and literature reviews. Beginning this research, In Praise of Shadow, Tanizaki explains how light and shadow are viewed differently in various cultures by comparing the Japanese and Western cultures. In Japanese culture, dimmer light is preferred because it creates a softer shadow, while in contrast, in Western culture, bright lights that show every flaw and almost diminish shadow or create strong shadow lines are more preferred/ widely used. Tanizaki further describes the difference in how beauty is defined by light in the two cultures, how light can differentiate the lighting of a home, and how natural beauty can be found in the shadows.
Another literature guide for this research is Shadow, The Architectural Power of withholding light. Unwin analyses several types of shadows created by architectural and natural elements and how they can be applied to space to define a place. Unwin categorizes these shadow types into seven architectural categories. Each gives an example from a specific place or a particular type of architecture. For example, in the Ronchamp Chapel by Le Corbusier, light is admitted into the dark interior in many ways. There are shadow gradients and thresholds, framed shadows, and shadow frames. Many sizes of openings in the wall contrast the interior and exterior space by how much light penetrates the interior based on the various times of the day, seasons, and even weather conditions. However, what truly makes these small nodes visible and creates the contrast of light and dark are the shadows. Drawings of the chapel’s shadows illuminate how shadow can inform the poetry and aesthetics in architecture. As masters of light, these architects also understood the music of shadows. As Tanizaki wrote, “shadows show the finer details, impurities, and textures that promote the beauty of a space, place, or thing” (18). In addition, Unwin described that “things have a shadow, but architecture contains shadow” (4).
The design intervention for this investigation references architects like Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, Mies Van Der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Jorn Utzon, Henry Plummer, and James Turrell, who have mastered the use of light and shadow in their works. In addition, learning from those architects, some precedents leading this design of creating a place where people can solely experience the light and shadow of Detroit are Stonehenge, Parc de La Villette, and Tom Lee Park.
How can Detroit be explored through light and shadow?
How can the interplay of natural elements such as light and shadow be composed to craft a moment?
How can designing with light and shadow heighten the perception of a sense of place?
These questions are what have been leading this thesis investigation. There needs to be a place in Detroit that celebrates light and shadow and can bring a moment to those who may then experience Earth’s natural phenomena that are commonly overlooked. Light and shadow are essential because they are one of the world's basic phenomena and our existence. This design intervention will improve a currently abandoned site and provide an experiential opportunity for the user. This design intervention proposes a Light and Shadow Meadow as a thoughtfully designed landscape through the celebrations and performance of light and shadow that provides a place to experience moments.
The critical notion gathered about this thesis is that sunlight is a constant cycle and that shadow results from light being blocked by something. Investigating uses an overall qualitative methodology that utilizes drawing, sketching, photographing as site observations and creating physical models or installations to study how light reacts. From Luminance of Sunlight installation, the findings from the research affirm the tangible effects of sunlight on how shadows manifest in space, shaping the visual and atmospheric qualities of buildings and urban landscapes. Through the lens of photography and the interpretative medium of sketching, it can effectively capture and analyze the dynamic changes in shadow configurations. From the Shadows Unveiled Installation, the idea was the same, but mainly playing with patterns and different materials. The findings for the installation were that direct sunlight needed to cast a shadow on the white wall and that there had to be a clean surface for the shadows to have no interruptions. Trying to capture the moments through a photograph was difficult because it left some elements out or the light was overexposed, and having the color panels almost distracted the viewer from investigating how a shadow is created but more into how they can play with it.
Therefore, these installations confirmed that shadows are affected by their surroundings and how strong the direct sunlight is. The surface of the shadow is essential, whether it is visible or not, and the site is another factor in how a shadow can be cast, and it is the initial part of how this investigation started.
Critiques of this investigation can go a few ways; some might need help understanding why light and shadow need to be celebrated in Detroit, and others might not see why moments of light and shadow need to be celebrated. Based on the site location, some might critique that it is far from the city center and far from naturally busy areas. This design proposal intends not to create these moments for every hour of the day; not all moments can be viewed at all times. The Light and Shadow Meadow only celebrate a few moments a few times a year, but the user can still find their moment when they meander through. Another critique might be that this proposal will be only for tourists. However, the idea is that if something else is needed, at a minimum, it is to take unused/abandoned space and rebuild it to be a used park in the new riverwalk extension.
The limitations of this study are that it consists mainly of personal observations of the current existing sunlight conditions in Detroit and how other cultures have dealt with light through literature reviews. Even though this research is backed up by scholarly articles and literature by world-renowned architects, it may not be the most beneficial design proposal to apply to one site in Detroit.
This investigation provides fresh perspectives and draws attention to the significance of light and shadow in architectural and urban contexts. The goal is to shift our gaze into the often-overlooked realm of light and shadow, uncovering nuanced insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the built environment in Detroit. Utilizing a varied approach that includes on-site photography, sketching, and extensive literature reviews on shadow dynamics, this research captures the strong impact of sunlight on the formation and behavior of shadows within urban spaces. This comprehensive methodology allows us to analyze the intricate interplay between sunlight, structures, and the resulting shadow patterns. This investigation has enabled a discerning understanding of shadow thresholds. This newfound knowledge has empowered the author to recognize and distinguish subtle variations in light and shadow effects. For instance, a heightened awareness of shadow thresholds from Simon Unwin has equipped a discernment and appreciation of the subtle differences that may have gone unnoticed.
In conclusion, this research sheds light on the intricate relationship between light and shadow in Detroit and other countries. It equips observers with a heightened sensitivity to the subtle yet impactful nuances within the landscape. By delving into the shadow, a new perspective is uncovered that contributes to a more distinct and informed appreciation of architectural places and their dynamic interactions with light and shadow. |
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