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Light and Shadow: Architecture in Context 1 (DESN10055)

1. What negative effects does the author believe the introduction of electric
lighting had on traditional Japanese interiors?
The author believes that the introduction of electric lighting, although brings more light
than the traditional Japanese candlelight, takes the individuality of shadows cast by the
lacquer-ware away. He believes that the lighting of a situation can completely change the
experience of a person.
2. How has man made light (firelight, candles, lamps (oil, gas), electric)
changed how people live their lives in different periods of history?
It is a known fact that the life most people live nowadays would not be possible without
man made light as half of todays industries would not be possible. Here is a timeline of
when man made light fist came about and how it affected people at the different stages.
Middle Ages:
- No street lighting
- Volunteer night watch
- Residents required to stay indoors after dark to avoid injuries or thieves
Late 17th Century:
- Citizens required to keep lit candles on street windows
- These were then replaced by oil fuelled street lamps funded and maintained by
councils and paid for by taxes.
Late 18th Century:
- Basic lamps depended on same technology that illuminated Roman homes and caves
of Pleistocene: a vessel of stone, clay or metal with come kind of animal or
vegetable fat as fuel, and a wick.
- Light was precious and used sparingly because all fuel for light needed to be used for
food as well.
- The light stank and it smoked.
- The open flame was dangerous.
- Countless fires caused by tipped-over candles or lamps
- Some residents in medieval cities required to put out cooking fires after dinner
Early 19th Century:
- Brighter, cleaner mineral fuels (e.g. kerosene/paraffin) replaced whale oil/tallow
- Gaslight arrived (gas being a product of coal and a system of pipes linked large
gasworks and storage tanks to customers)
- Whole neighbourhoods were lit in Britain
- Individuals did not have to control own light anymore
Mid 19th Century:
- Paris, New York and other major cities in Europe and the US were using gaslight
- Increased number of middle class used extended hours of light to window-shop, go to
the theatre, taverns and restaurants
- Cities that had only functioned in daylight were now known for their nightlife.
- Electric arc lighting was introduced but not indoors
Late 19th Century:
- Thomas Edison introduced the first electric light-bulb in 1879.
- Factories, commercial districts and the wealthy all were illuminated by the light-bulb
Early 20th Century:
- Electric lines arrived everywhere in Britain and America by 1930s enabling lighting
but also refrigerators, washers, dryers, irons, stoves and vacuum cleaners.
- Rapid expansion of power grids

More than half the people in the US and Europe could no longer (and still cant) see
the Milky Way from their homes
Concerns of light pollution were raised and worries of disrupting the migration of
birds, nocturnal animals, human sleep etc.

3. Consider how lighting, both natural and artificial, is used in different ways
in interior spaces.
Natural lighting can be used internally to create a very dramatic effect with shadows,
such as much of the work of Tadao Ando. It can also be used to create a very light, insideoutside interior such as in conservatories and garden rooms. Artificial light is obviously
used in most internal rooms as just a source of light but in some cases, such as dimming
or multi coloured lighting, the room can look completely different.
4. Which everyday live/work activities require different levels of light or dark?
Low levels of precision e.g. eating, watching TV, walkways require the least amount of
light (except for when sleeping or reading)
General purpose activities e.g. washing dishes, showering require a level of lighting
expected for household lights.
High levels of precision e.g. drawing, working at a desk, supermarkets require a much
stronger lighting.
5. How is lighting used to create atmosphere or mood, e.g. for social events,
festivals and other celebrations?
Dimmed lights, coloured lighting, strobes are all different types of lighting used for
events such as festivals to create a certain mood. Dimmed lights give a much more
relaxed atmosphere, for example in a romantic restaurant where candles may be the only
lighting (see figure 1). Coloured lighting can give a very childish, fun effect to a room and
could be used to attract people into the event (see figure 2, an event called
Colourscape). Strobes are very much associated with parties and music events, very
often found at festivals and can be in time with the music.
6. Find precedents to illustrate your ideas.

Figure 1. Erickson Stock, 2016.

Figure 2. Cardy, 2013.

Figure 3. Parry, 2011.

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