Está en la página 1de 4

C

R -A

S A 2 0 12

-A d
va

AL CO N F E RE

Advanced Research in Scientific Areas 2012 December, 3. - 7. 2012

nc
e d R e s e a rc h

IR

TU

in

The relationship between architectural detail and light in contemporary architecture


Malgorzata Roginska-Niesluchowska
Department of Visual Arts, Faculty of Architecture Gdansk University of Technology (GUT) Gdansk, Poland maron@pg.gda.pl
Abstract The paper deals with the influence of modern artificial and natural lighting technology on contemporary architecture, especially in relation to architectural detail. Advanced complex lighting systems have an increasing importance in contemporary design solutions. Light itself, and the effect of its actions, and characteristic parts of the sophisticated lighting systems, play an essential role as independent architectural elements, of different architectural scale. They impact the viewers visual perception of the building as well as the buildings proper functioning. Keywords - architecture, illumination of architecture architectural detail, lighting,

I. INTRODUCTION Architectural detail is an integral part of architecture. It can also be perceived as a discrete element, which concerns a different - more detailed scale, than the architectural object as a whole. In the past detail was often identified with ornament, and it varied under the influence of transformations that followed in the architecture language - in accordance with the changes of styles, and trends in art. From the moment, when the presence and the role of ornamentation in architecture were questioned, architectural detail has been expressed by the architectural structure, the quality of materials surface finishing, and technical solutions. II. ARCHITECTURE AND NEW TECHNOLOGY Progress in modern technologies has a significant impact on the artistic trends and directions of development of modern architecture. Owing to the support of information technology in the design processes and the use of the advanced building technologies, the artifacts of contemporary architecture can defy the laws of gravity and give the impression of deconstruction, transparency and dematerialization. Carefully selected materials and finishing details, can hide and divert attention from the structural elements, or true volume of the building (eg the shimmering titanium coating of Frank Gehrys buildings or the multi-layer transparent glass facades of Jean Nouvels buildings). Due to the use of advanced information technology in the construction industry and the direct combination of the design process with production, designers can move away from orthogonality to organic forms, similar in characteristic to the natural environment. Designers also have the ability to control and monitor the design process in order to

INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE http://www.arsa-conf.com

Sc

ien

t i fi c A re as

subordinate it to specific purposes - visual, economic and functional. The combination of CAD and CAM technologies creates unprecedented opportunities to experiment with architectural form and structure as well as the precise elaboration of unique forms of architectural details. Examples include the hexagonal structure of the curved roof, made of laminated wood in the Centre Pompidou in Metz by Shigeru Ban - Japanese Architects studio, and the similar spruce structures of the roof covering, composed of vaults and supports in the main part of the golf club "Nine Bridges Country Club Clubhouse" in South Korea - by the same design studio in collaboration with the architect Kyeong-Sik Yoo, 2010). INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON THE PERCEPTION OF ARCHITECTURE Detail is an integral part of architectural work, as the creation of space, which is evaluated based on "the values of different relationships between matter and light, between the whole and the frame (...)" [1]. Light plays a crucial role in perception of architecture. The impact of the changes in directions of sun rays and sky conditions on the reception of architectural forms and details have been carefully studied and described in the literature. In his work entitled "Sun in Architecture" M. Twarowski gives guidance on the proper selection of architectural detail, depending on the prevailing lighting direction, to obtain a favourable visual effects. The development of lighting technology and its use for urban illumination have created unlimited possibilities for creative metamorphosis and reinterpretation of the image of architecture (architectural artifacts) after sunset. By introducing artificialy differentiated directions and intensity of lighting devices, it is possible to get the effect of unrealistic and surprising shapes of shadows on the facades, which change the quality of architecture and the interpretation of existing forms. By modifying illumination, it is possible to change the look and atmosphere of the individual buildings or urban quarter - analogous to changes of theatre stage design. The professional lighting designer has been established as a creator of the city light shows. III.

SECTION 7. Art, Religion, History, Philosophy

- 1233 -

R -A

S A 2 0 12

-A d
va

AL CO N F E RE

Advanced Research in Scientific Areas 2012 December, 3. - 7. 2012

nc
e d R e s e a rc h

IR

TU

in

A. LED Technology The use of electroluminescent semiconductor diodes in lighting technology, has introduced new possibilities to exploit light in architecture. LED (light-emitting diode) technology has favourable characteristics in terms of artistic, environmental and economic aspects, namely: energy-saving, high luminous efficiency, long life, possibility of eliminating adverse emission of infrared and ultraviolet spectrum, the ease to obtain any colour of light (RGB, RGBA, RGW systems), high colour rendering index, easiness of digital adjustment and control, and potential for recycling. It has been wildly used in architectural design for several years now. Initially, LED lighting technology has been exploited in commercial billboards and megaboards, which were trailed to the facades of buildings. Architects have aspired to transform the advertising role of media facade to the function of artistic creation (visual sign, "multimedia extension of the building"), so that the media facade has become an integral part of the architecture (not a later added decoration). Therefore, it has become necessary for designers to take into consideration the technical aspects of the media facade when creating an architectural concept [3]. B. Ag4 Mediatecture Company Ag4 Mediatecture Company, founded in 1991 both by architects and media designers, has pioneered this type of collaboration. The art of media facade design has been called mediatecture by them. Their construction of media facades consists of LEDs embedded in special metal mesh. This curtain of light suspended outside the building does not disturb access of natural light and provides both - a view into the interior, as well as from the inside out. In the projected image, one pixel is composed of three to five LEDs in an RGB combination (three primary colors: red, green, and blue) so almost all the colors of the light spectrum can be obtaind. The quality of the projected image depends on the resolution, ie. the number and density of LEDs - vertical and horizontal grid spacing and distances between blocks of LEDs. Digital control allows for changeability of images in specified sequences. The first fully transparent media facade, was completed by Ag4 and Lumino Lichttechnik for Bonn T-Mobile Headquarters in 2001. Animated light effects on a facade can also be displayed during the day, through the use of the LED modules with high brightness and fast response time. [4] C. Media Facades Tipicly colorful exterior illumination emphasizes the characteristic architectural shape. It can also be used to display dynamic images on a giant screen facade. Those images become a characteristic attribute of the architectural object and the form of its self-presentation. The Yas Marina Hotel in Dubai (Asymptote Group, 2007-2009) is an example of cooperation between the architecture and illumination. The LED luminaires are placed in the nodes of the metal structure of a dynamic roof shell. Changes of displayed colours, sequences of lights and video projection are managed by the digital control system. The illuminations of dominant buildings in the city are particularly impressive (such as Jean Nouvel's

INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE http://www.arsa-conf.com

Sc

ien

t i fi c A re as

IV.

FACADES MADE OF LIGHTS

Torre Agbar in Barcelona, 2003-2005). Greenpix Zero Energy Media Wall (Giostry Simone, 2008) is a gigantic media wall, which belongs to the entertainment centre Xicui in Beijing. A huge LED screen is powered by photovoltaic cells, inserted into the laminated glass facade. The energy self-sufficient facade system gains solar energy during the day and uses it at night for a spectacular light show prepared by the artists. [5] The use of LED lighting does not have to involve the whole facade. Lighting effects may also occur in direct contact with the customer. There are different types of control software. Auto active programs are mainly used for information, promotion and advertisement - they combine elements of digital photography, video projection, graphics and text. Lighting control software can react to external stimulation. With the help of cameras and other sensors it can detect impulses coming from the outside, such as light, sound or movement. Then they are parameterized and processed into the sequence of the projected images. Individual participation in the creation of the projection by the mutual interaction is possible with the application of actively controlled systems. The opportunity to demonstrate individual creativity and participation in the performance is very attractive for urban users of space - both for the active participant and passive observer. It reinforces the perception of space and identification of the transmission media. Media technologies can completely transform the urban space by introducing dynamic media in place of the stability and invariability of architectural environments. [6] V. DAYLIGHT SYSTEMS DETAIL

A. Brise soleil and louvre systems The orthodox trends in architecture, such as the modernist avant-garde movement, or minimalism, which have given up the diversity of forms and redundant ornaments, have accepted the necessity of architectural detail for its utility. These include elements of the daylight system. Le Corbusier popularized brise the soleil as the simple concrete walls elements on the facades of his houses designed for sunny climates. Shading devices are required for systems of glazed curtain wall, in order to prevent overheating of the inside in summer and to make use of greenhouse effect on cold days. All kinds of louvres, made of various materials such as aluminum, wood, plastic, glass or fabric, placed both inside and outside the building, vertically or horizontally, are the most popular shading systems. These systems have introduced a certain architectural style, which changes with technological progress. One of the most spectacular brise the soleil are mechanically actuated, external kinetic wings, constructed from the vanes, designed for the Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Calatrava. Another example is the movable decorative shutters designed for the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris by Jean Nouvel. Acting like camera shutters, they control the flow of light into the interior of the building and create the visual effect of "Oriental Light", coming through the mosaic windows. B. Fiber Optic The British pavilion at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, designed by Heatherwick Studio is an example of innovative natural

SECTION 7. Art, Religion, History, Philosophy

- 1234 -

R -A

S A 2 0 12

-A d
va

AL CO N F E RE

Advanced Research in Scientific Areas 2012 December, 3. - 7. 2012

nc
e d R e s e a rc h

IR

TU

in

lighting design in architecture. Its interior, with dimensions 25x25x20 m, is illuminated only by daylight, which enters through 60 588 acrylic rods, 7.5 m long, fulfilling the role of optical fibers. Inside the rods 217 300 seeds of various plants are sunk. Thanks to the parametric design method, various systems of rods embedded in a wooden support structure, giving specific effects of deflection, were considered in the initial phase of the project, giving a choice of desired visual effect. This allowed for optimalization of the geometry and the distribution of the material in the space. Pavilion amazes by the originality of the idea and the uniqueness and coherence of the its form, structure and detail. [7] VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Light is essential for the human perception of architectural forms and space. Together with the selection of architectural details it influences the reception of the whole built artifact. Architects manipulate light, by means of materials with suitable properties, and by changing its direction and intensity. This manipulation of light alters the perception of architectural form and its detail, the image expression of the entire object, or even the mood of the part of the city. Thanks to advanced lighting technologies, artificial light can operate as an independent element of architecture, with regard to various

Figure 1 1. Parc de Recerca Biomdica de Barcelona (PRBB), James Grellier, external system of wooden louvers (photo by author) 2. Forum Building, Barcelona, Herzog & de Meuron a combination of materials of different properties (photo by author) 3.Modern tenement in center of Barcelona bise de soleil (photo by author) 4.T-MOBILE Headquarters, Bonn , ag4 group mediatecture

INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE http://www.arsa-conf.com

Sc

ien

t i fi c A re as

scales of objects. It can enhance and complement architecture or compete with architectural forms through its dynamic proprietary. Architectural detail has lost its stylistic identity and independence in relation to the architectural solid, but it reflects technical progress and the growth of technological capabilities. To achieve stylistic consistency of innovative architectural designs, architects need corresponding forms of details. For this purpose, they use modern technical and visual tools. Advanced complex lighting systems have an increasing importance in contemporary design solutions. Light itself, and the effect of its actions, and characteristic parts of the sophisticated lighting systems, play an essential role as independent architectural elements, in architectural object scale as well as in detail scale. They have a large impact on the viewers visual perception of the building as well as the buildings proper functioning. Contemporary architecture design requires extensive cooperation with specialists from a number of highly developed areas of technology computer science, automation, lighting and media. Thanks to new technologies, architecture has gained a new means of dynamic expression and interactivity. The users can actively participate in the creation of public space.

SECTION 7. Art, Religion, History, Philosophy

- 1235 -

R -A

S A 2 0 12

-A d
va

AL CO N F E RE

Advanced Research in Scientific Areas 2012 December, 3. - 7. 2012

nc
e d R e s e a rc h

IR

TU

in

(photo: www.ag4.de) 5. UK Pavilion Shanghai Expo 2010 detail (photo: www.designboom.com) 6. Atelier Relais, Torc (France) mediatecture Illumesh (photo www.ag4.de)

[1] [2] [3]

R. Berekowski, Detal i deprawacja, in Przestrze i FORMA, vol 10/2008, pp. 145-146. M. Twarowski, Soce w architekturze, Arkady, Warsaw 1960, p.105 M. Hank Haeusler, Media Facades History, Technology, Content, Avedition, 2009, pp. 12-37.

INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE http://www.arsa-conf.com

Sc

ien

t i fi c A re as

REFERENCES

[4] [5] [6] [7]

www.ag4.de www.mediaarchitecture.org, http://www.sgp-a.com J. Tarajko-Kowalska, Fasady Medialne. Dynamiczna gra barwy i wiata, in Przestrze i FORMA, vol 10/2008, pp. 169-174 http://www.heatherwick.com/uk-pavilion/

SECTION 7. Art, Religion, History, Philosophy

- 1236 -

También podría gustarte