Project 3: Light
Architectural Design II - ARC 257

LIGHT MAKING OF FORM AND ORDER

The objective of this project is to design a proposed non-denominational chapel on the campus of Farmingdale State College. The college wants this to be a place where anybody can practice their own religion. This project needed to be achieved by the creative use of light. Different techniques requires this project to control the entrance of light into the building. Curved surface are used in the building so the light splashes and unique light patterns can be create.

BACKGROUND REASERCH

I researched the Seinajoki Library designed by Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto utilized a uniquely shaped roof with multiple ceiling heights and perfectly angled shutters to reflect light into the structure and wash the walls; never allowing light to directly enter the structure.

These image shows how the light entering from the shutters washes the ceiling on the left and reflects off that to light the area with the books. Also, how light enters from the right and washes the that ceiling while also being diverted downwards.

SUN ANGLES

WINTER

FALL

SPRING

SUMMER

SITE AND SORTING

The analysis of light on the campus and the direction of the sun path influenced my design and where I placed it on the campus. The chapel is rotated slightly so as to capture the natural sunlight and reflect it into the chapels. I decided to place the chapel near the student center to add to the current student life buildings and create a new open space that is both accessible and quiet.