LIGHT

FORM AND ORDER MAKER

Explores the use of research techniques and conceptual sketch model building to test and formulate design ideas. The role of defining the public space and façade are emphasized. The conflict between the natural environment and build context and the resolution of these two competing patterns are used challenge students to accommodate both. The use of constraint strategies to simplify the design problem are incorporated.

BACKGROUNG RESEARCH

CONVENT OF LA TOURETTE
BY LE CORBUSIER

"Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep."

– Le Corbusier

At La Tourette, many aspects of Corbusier’s developed architectural vocabulary are visible – the vertical brise-soleils used with effect in India, light cannons piercing solid masonry walls, window-openings separated by Modulor-controlled vertical divisions.

Light functions here as an element in the service of exceptional spatial innovation. Le Corbusier deploys a whole range of devices to control natural light, sculpting space and volumes: light cannon, light gun, light ray, loggia, and undulating glazing,

The interior of the church reveals a concrete box which is given a spiritual essence through its use of natural light and strong color, both selectively and carefully placed. "Light cannons" are created as the five different types of openings around the church let in daylight, several of which are graciously sculpted on the exterior.

Taking advantage of light resources, I am inspired by the use of long openings, vertically or horizontally. In this way, the church, being a space of silence and meditation, the large stained-glass windows do not break this atmosphere. Placing tall and long windows, I created similar purposes. Additionally, adding a dome to the main chapel allows light to enter through the roof, as Le Corbusier did in this project.

THIS IS A TRANSPARENT DETAIL VIEW OF THE LOWER CHURCH AND CHAPELS. THIS FORM IS THE MOST ORGANIC PART OF THE COMPOSITION.

CONTEXTUAL ANALYIS & SUN ANGLES

SUN ANGLES

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

SUMMER

PRELIMINARY IDEAS

SITE PLAN SELECTED

After physically touring the campus, and noticing how the buildings are located around the area, placing the church in this specific area seemed like the best option to me. Firstly, note that there are no buildings, which could block natural light, thus using this resource to the maximum. Furthermore, it is an area, a little far from all academic places, it could be considered a space of peace, which is the objective of the church.

FLOOR PLAN