| Title |
Characteristics of Relational Representation of Light and Architectural Space Elements in Luis Barragan's Houses |
| Keywords |
Luis Barragan ; Light and Shadow ; Architectural-Space-Elements |
| Abstract |
Luis Barragan is a representative Mexican architect. He designed architectural space as a local architect in consideration of the Mexico's harsh Mediterranean climate. His manifestation of the regionality can be found mainly in his precise expression of light. Such method and concept of using light in Barragan's architecture made a huge impact on later architects but detailed studies on this issue have not been made actively. Hence, this paper intended to suggest a starting point or an orientation by illustrating the characteristics of using and expressing light in architecture through his cases of housing works. The study method was as follows. First, the general characteristics of light were identified by analyzing the elements of architectural space that dealt with light and the characteristics of expressing light shown in the architectural space. Second, the architectural background of Luis Barragan and the architectural space elements of the light expressed in his architectural space were extracted to form a hypothetical ground. Third, five of his works on the houses in his prime (after the year of 1945) were analyzed to explore the characteristics of relational representation between light and the architectural space elements in his architecture. Through this process, it was learned that, in his architectural works, light was the embodiment of the location-related, time-based, daily and illusionary experience into architecture. In addition, meditative light could be experienced by contrasting the soft and dispersed light and shadow of the inside space of Barragan's houses with the strong external light. Therefore, through the process above, this study is hoped to provide an opportunity for the contemporary architects of our era to rethink the fundamental correlation between architecture and light. |