As read through the book, it became apparent that there are 4 major techniques into achieving effective architectural lighting.These are:
. Direction:
The direction in which we illuminate architecture has developed significantly over the years, especially with the change and evolution of modern technology. Generally, structures are naturally lit from above by either sunlight or moonlight, typically creating one direction of light. Although angles in which you see sunlight or moonlight do change depending on the times of day, it is still a generalized 'one' direction of lighting. With the increasing thirst for architectural design, lighting has become the primary focal point to achieve dynamic and atmospheric features. We are able to use a vast amount of lighting tools to illuminate buildings in unique and intricate ways. Having the freedom to light in multiple directions, with different types of lights, colours and movements enables architects to produce stunning visuals and concepts all over the world.
. Brightness
Brightness is an incredibly important asset with modern architectural lighting. Using different intensities with artificial lighting can be incredibly transformative. It enables an architect to illuminate specific points of interest on a structure using different intensities of brightness. It is also a creative and unique way to represent different aspects of a building at night that you may not visibly see in the day. As with daylight, it can be difficult to convey particular points of interest on a structure, as it can be washed out by an overcast sky which provides a very flat source of light. Even bright sunny days can conceal intriguing secrets of a building with heavy contrasts between light and shadow, both in which can shroud those important features. Brightness is not necessarily used to highlight specific areas of interest, but is also used to accentuate colour, texture and material. Depending on the light source and it's intensity can produce different affects on a structure. It is all depending on what is atmosphere is being cast by the architect and what vision he wants to portray.
. Colour:
Colour is also a very important asset when considering lighting technique. When applying colour to a source of light, it can drastically change the appearance of a structure, which can encourage an audience to think alternatively. Especially if a building transforms differently from day to night, it can give people a new perspective and also portray new features of the building you may not have noticed. Even white lights can alter a structure's appearance for good or bad. It can highlight specific features shrouded in shadow, or it can distort them. Careful consideration and research will aid the decision within using colour in architectural lighting. It must compliment the form and accentuate it's construction whilst using innovation.
. Movement:
The final important aspect is Movement. With the rise of technological advancements, animations and movements can drastically alter the appearance of a structure. From shifting colours to moving lights, animated lighting effects are a new innovation in architectural design. However, I do not want to confuse this aspect with certain varieties of animated lighting methods. Such as neon signs or advertisements, these types of lighting methods, although indeed an example, are not really considered within an artistic mind and do not compliment a building in unique ways. My personal opinion, is that I think believe considered movement with light is virtually minimalistic and simple. It's usually the simpler and more subtle approaches that get a curious mind thinking, especially if represented on a certain structure.
I've decided to annotate two examples of structures that use the 4 elements above.
Here are the images:
The Empire State Building, New York, United States of America:
The Empire State Building is one of the most important buildings in American architectural history. It's grand opening back in 1931 was widely celebrated due to reaching the benchmark for ' The World's Tallest Building' until 1972 when the North tower of the World Trade Center was erected. The production of The ESB was primarily built for the sake of being the world's tallest building and not much else, but it's significant height and architectural design made it have far superior importance to the American nation. It became a beacon to commemorate the history of a great American achievement. Although it is no longer the world's tallest building, it is still incredibly famous and easily the most well known sky scraper in the USA. In recent years, hundreds of lights were added to the top of the structure to illuminate it's architectural design at night. It is also visible on the skyline of New York and can be seen for miles around Manhattan when illuminated. The lights of The Empire State have become a beacon to signify the location of New York and is often referred to by tourists. The lights on the top of the structure and the spire are commonly changed depending on seasons, events and holidays. These changes are usually a combination of colours and animations/movements to signify special occasions. All of the lights shine in an upwards direction, which is evidently used to express and accentuate the height of the building. If the lights were shining down, it would make the building appear shorter, which would not be the intended response, especially due to the history of the structure striving to be the tallest.
Here are some examples of TESB with colour changes:
The most recent of it's light display is that of the 2012 National Elections between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. The image above shows The Empire State illuminated in the nations colours as well as an animated spire to represent the votes between both political parties. It is evident with this structure that the innovation of lighting can transform the way in which we see things. The ESB is a prime example of how the Americans unite as a nation, referring to the lights as commemoration of events. It's as if the building speaks for the people, expressing and signifying a country of millions, bringing them together and uniting them. All this through the power of lighting techniques.
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Japan:
The Itsukushima is one of the most famous shrines in all of Japan. Although it's construction doesn't have an accurate date, it is estimated that it was built in the early 6th century. It's fame is derived from many aspects, especially due to it's Shinto heritage. However, it is primarily admired due to it's particular construction and positioning. The entire building was purposefully made to appear as if it is floating on water, unassumingly to make it difficult for enemies to be able to access the shrine on foot. Even the Shinto Gate located north of the shrine is said to be an obstacle for infiltration, as boats would have to try steer through it. Modern day lighting techniques have beautifully brought the Itsukushima Shrine to life, especially during the night.
Hundreds of lights have been carefully considered and positioned all over the shrine, to accentuate it's traditional material and colour. The use of white lights within the Shrine are evidently used to brighten the red colour of the infrastructure, illuminating even the smallest details also. In Japan, Red is the colour for many religious relics and shrines; this is because Red is a symbol of protection and the elimination of demons. Also many Shinto deities and gods often wore red in some variation to express the element of protection. Red is often associated with the deity of fire in Japan, as well as the nations flag and Amaterasu (goddess of the sun). Red is a very important colour for Japan, so I can see the importance to accentuate the colour within the Itsukushima shrine. Also, I noticed that the direction of the lights appear to illuminate the underneath of the roofing more significantly. Aside from highlighting the fine architectural design, I also believe it is used to cast reflections on the high tide, to give that illusion that the shrine is indeed 'floating' just as it was traditionally intended to do.
This book has been incredibly helpful for me and has aided my understanding of architectural lighting methods. When I eventually come to construct my own environment, I will reflect on this information to help myself work in an innovative mind set. The 4 key elements of lighting technique really make sense and I strongly believe they will help me in my own studies in the future, especially in 3D rendering.
Bibliography:
http://pix.alaporte.net/pub/d/25663-1/Empire+State+Building+from+Rooftop+-+Night.JPG
http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1208572.1353993804!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/article-empirebldg1-1126.jpg
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2012/images/11/06/esb.cnn1.jpg
http://www.michaelyamashita.com/gallery/large/Soul_of_a_Nation_2.jpg
http://i.images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-3688666866-image/World_Heritage_Sites/Asia/East_Asia/Japan/Itsukushima_Shinto_Shrine/Itsukushima_Shrine-image-5.jpg
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