Light
"Architecture is the learned game, correct & magnificent, of forms assembled in the light."
~Le Corbusier
light
Fall 2021
Project 3: The conflict between the built environment and the natural environment
Non-Denominational Chapel on the campus of Farmingdale State College
The premise:
You have been selected to design a proposed non-denominational chapel located on the campus of Farmingdale State College. The College wants this to be a profoundly spiritual place that people of all faiths can worship and reflect on life’s events. The College believes this can be achieved by the creative use of light. The College has outlined a preliminary program that is listed below. A site has yet to selected on campus; the College is looking for guidance from the Architect. The building should be integrated into the fabric of the campus. The College explicitly requests the design not be symmetrical.
The first step was to analyze the light designs of various architects and their creations:
Next I did a site analysis including diagrams of:
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Sun angles at winter, summer and equinox
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Circulation (vehicular and pedestrian)
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Forms (height and shape)
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Spaces (Formal, semi-formal, athletic, informal)
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Use (academic, residential, athletic, student life, administration, utility)
The next task was to create physical light box models based on our research. Using three cardboard boxes (about 12" to 24" in size, in each direction), I constructed a series of sketch models testing the conceptual ideas diagrammed in the prior assignments. Leaving one side open to view the phenomena and using both the walls and ceiling for each box, I photographed the model in daylight showing the openings, back lighting / control surfaces and in the dark using a flashlight on the opening. I liked the Kahn Kimbell ceiling design the best.
LIGHT BOX SKETCHES:
SITING:
Choosing the site for the building is as important as the building design itself. I had another idea in mind, but eventuallly after discussions with my professor I decided to move my design to another section of the campus. This area has better circulation and better light paths.
PRELIMINARY 3D DESIGN:
FINAL DESIGN:
ELEVATIONS:
SECTIONS:
MEMORIAL CHAPEL
MAIN CHAPEL
MAIN CHAPEL
AND LOBBY DOME
PLAN VIEW
