Blog Task 4 : Light and shadow

Analysis of In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki published by London: Vintage

The essay forms a negative description of the collision between the shadows of traditional Japanese interiors and the dazzling light of the modern age, expressing that modern lighting just distracts from and overpowers the beauty and intricacies of traditional Japanese architecture and construction details. Junichiro Tanizaki explains his realisation of this issue on page 22 where he can be quoted saying “and I realised in only dim half-light is the true beauty of Japanese lacquerwear revealed” (Praise of Shadows, Tanizaki)

Consider how lighting, both natural and artificial, is used in different ways in interior spaces. Which everyday live/work activities require different levels of light or dark?

Natural lighting is used in a vastly contrasted way to that of artificial. Natural light is not only used to illuminate a room but to create an ambience and feeling in a functional way. Natural lighting also brings the benefits of its thermal properties making it an incredibly efficient choice. Increased use of daylight within designs means reduced CFC emissions, economic savings, physical and mental health benefits.

Different activities require different levels of lux achieved through use of both natural and artificial lighting; this is well documented within the metric handbook. This is an outtake from the table which shows the required level of lux required to perform specific activities. Examples for high lux everyday activities would be food preparation and an example of an activity where low lux is required

How is lighting used to create atmosphere or mood ?

Generally a well lit space creates an aire of calm within a space while darkness envokes feelings of angst or fear. Beams or shafts of light within a dark space create feelings of excitement or uncertainty. However an extreeme use of both Low and high level lighting levels create a sense of overwhelming fear within a person, with both impairing a persons ability to see.

How might you use the reading and / or precedents to help you use light in your design project?

This blog task and reading has taught me the importance of not ‘overlighting’ a space as it does not only distract from the design and detail of a space but also can greatly influence the emotions felt within it.

I will use interventions sparingly within my designs to capture the benefits of natural lighting without flooding the area with light. This will allow me to create dramatic spaces where the emotions felt can be controlled closely through the design.

Bibliography:

Tanizaki, J. (2008). In praise of shadows. 1st ed. Rutland, Vt.: Tuttle Publ.

Littlefield, D. (2012). Metric Handbook. 1st ed. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.