At the Pre-Columbia’s Museum, designed by Smiljan Radic, there are several circumstances in which Radic manipulates natural and artifical light. Both interiorly and exteriorly, the architect successfully created various lighting conditions, that relate to the museum’s program and space usage. The aspirations of the lighting design allow visitors to experience a variety of emotions as they progress throughout the museum.
The artifical lights, against the white interior walls are positioned against the darker materials used Radic for the circulatory.
At the lowest level, Radic incorporates natural exterior light, from the main level courtyard. It filters in subtly and reflects against the floor, which has a sheen to it, complimenting the other dark building materials used at this level. A sense of uncomfortableness is perceived, yet peacefulness when noting the natural light creeping in.
Sketch analysis of the lowest level at the Pre-Columbian Museum, showing how light slightly filters in from the skylight. It’s very subtle, and heavily contrasts against the dark materials used.
Lastly, Radic predominantly uses natural light on the upper levels. On the ground level, the atrium features an ETFE roof. This glazing feature allows natural light to deep into the atrium space. The ETFE allows the light to not be too harsh. It’s very welcoming, and is gentle to visitors. It encourages them to enter and feel comfortable with the space. It is not as harsh as the interior, lower level darkness. In short, the multiple lighting juxtaposed give the visitors a chance to not only immerse themselves with the artifacts but also the architecture.
The roof glazing filters the light so it is not too harsh, giving a more calming experience.
Hi Natalie!
The Pre-Colombian Art Museum was a simple, straightforward courtyard building but the details are what made it so special. The light and the darkness played a major role in creating a place that affected the way that people perceived the space and the light. Radic used different degrees of natural light and artificial light based on the use of the space. What I thought was really interesting was the light in the downstairs gallery. He used artylights that he reflected on the angled wood surface. I thought that was a really nice and subtle way to give warmth to the art while still keeping the heavy, dark feeling of the gallery.