Start semester
40 421 Nordic light in architecture (Daylight and Architecture)
Admission to AHO and successful completion of three years bachelor level studies (180 ECTS).
The course is open to students from: Architecture
Background:
In the Nordic hemisphere we live and build a specific climate: We have approximately 35 % of the time an angle of the sun between 0-10% and 2/3 of the time cloudy sky with diffuse light.
The specific Nordic context requires therefore higher competence in working with daylight than in other geographical positions. In housing projects quantitative methods are predominantly used in early phases although building regulations are only securing a minimum average percentage of daylight; climate and context are not taken into consideration. A qualitative approach to working with daylight is mostly discussed in smaller housing projects and there is less precision in how we assess and work with quality of daylight.
The aim of the course is therefore to give students basic tools and methods to assess both quantity and quality of daylight in the process of making. It is also to bridge the gap between technology and the art of building — as the students both work with a technical and phenomenological approach to daylight. The course aims for higher competence and awareness of local specificity when it comes to climate and context —and for an awareness of the potential of daylight as a fundamental part of architecture and how it affects the space, our behaviour —and our health.
In the course we work with both physical and digital models to establish an awareness of precision in the representation of light. We establish a relation between daylight in the scale model, representation of daylight in the digital model and how it is perceived in the already built (1:1).
Each student will individually frame an interest related to the studio project (mastercourse) and build a model 1:20 of parts of the project where methods and tools to assess either quantity or quality of daylight are discussed in drawings, images and models.
The course is research based and the students will take part in a Nordic collaboration to improve education on daylight in Nordic countries.
Knowledge:
- of daylight theory (history of daylight, ongoing research projects, scientific)
- of the specific Nordic light (Nordic climate) and its characteristics.
- of taxonomy of quality of daylight
- of various kinds of light and shadow
- of the relationship between geometry, the light openings and the context and how it affects the “light-figure” in a space.
- of Building regulations and requirements in TEK 17
- of glass as material and how it affects light
Skills:
- In basic tools for assessing both quantity and quality of daylight in the process of making
- In using simple tools to draw the “light-figure” with diffuse skylight in plan and section (no-sky line)
- In representation of daylight in both analogue and digital models
- In conducting a process of making architecture with daylight as the main generator.
- In digital tools for measuring quantity of daylight and daylight resources on the façade (VSC).
General competence:
- Ability to translate theory and methods into a process of making architecture where geometry forms light in a specific way.
- In being able to use tools and methods introduced in the course to assess quantity and quality of daylight in their own project
- In understanding the complexity and various aspects of daylight and how that can be used in generating architecture.
- In reflecting upon the multiple perspectives on daylight: sustainability, energy, climate, health, behavior
- In an awareness of the effect the specific characteristic of material has on daylight (reflection, color, texture etc.)
The course is built up in 3 modules: 1) Taxonomy of quality of daylight 2) Tools & Method 3) Daylight work.
Each module consists of 1 task, relevant lectures and readings, feed-back sessions, and pin-up. There is expected presence at all common activities. We use outlook calendar for teaching activities and communication.
- Taxonomy of quality of daylight
- Reading essential texts (papers, articles, essays) and present short lectures to the group.
- Exploring the potential of Nordic light in models (spatial instruments to investigate the relation between proportions, geometry and light openings) and model photos — with the aim to make a taxonomy of the quality of daylight (in a Nordic context)
- Tools & Method
- Observing daylight over time: Drawings, models, photography and simulations to document both quality, quantity and variations of light over time in one specific room
- Comparison of analogue and digital tools to assess daylight quality and quantity in the specific room.
- Interviewing practicing architects on their tools and methods to assess daylight quantity and quality in the process of making.
- Excursion to Daylight LAB, NMBU, measuring daylight in a physical model.
- Daylight work
- Using tools and methods from Module 1 and 2, to explore further one specific daylight condition in the studio project, in model 1:20, drawings and images.
Excursion:
To Daylight LAB, NMBU, ÅS.
Course literature will be available in Leganto.
| Mandatory coursework | Courseworks required | Presence required | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence required | Required | Students are required to attend no less than 80%. |
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio assessment (Vurderingsmappe) | - | Pass / fail | The basis for assessment in the course is based on a portfolio consisting of assignments and presentations. To pass requires hand in of the assignment in all 4 phases and attend 80% if the course activity. Students will be assessed on what is achieved in relation to described learning outcomes and on the project assignment (all 4 phases). |
| Workload activity | Comment |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Students are expected to attend all course days and be active participants in the seminar activities. |