This building technology seminar will examine the reciprocal relationships between light and architecture. Students will learn to understand and analyze daylight and electric light as a highly-integrated series of systems that depend on climate, material properties and geometry, glazing, shading, the eye’s biology, and the brain’s sensory perception of surface and space. A series of phased design exercises will guide the class’ explorations of luminous space and allow students to experiment with the complex interdependencies among architectural form, light, and human visual perception. The course will move quickly through the fundamentals such as surface brightness and contrast to advanced concepts such as Daylight Autonomy and building automation. Prospective simulation and retrospective measurement and documentation will form the means to analyze and verify both quantitative and qualitative performance. Along the way, students will examine the role that light plays in occupant health, comfort, and delight as well as building energy consumption.Prerequisite: Architecture Studio 1 or equivalent as well as proficiency in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.

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