‘Light’ Buildings

Features of ‘light’ buildings

- Large scale use of glass / open spaces- Lots of lighting / natural light- Exposed, thin/ minimal structural

elements- Use of less imposing materials

- small diameter steel, wood, cabling, small pillars etc.

- Large spaces - open plan design- High ceilings/doors – skylights- Feeling of airflow- Suspended elements (tensioned roof,

cantilevered areas, areas supported on thin pillars)

- Views to wide open spaces (interior or exterior)

‘Heavy’ Buildings

Features of ‘Heavy’ Buildings

- Masonry elements (slate, stone, brick etc.)

- Lower ceilings / doors- Smaller, infrequent windows (often

less transparent)- less natural light / more dimly lit

artificially- Thicker, larger, more obvious

structural elements (often exposed)

- Darker colours- Smaller individual spaces- Older/ more traditional architectural

elements (e.g. Gothic art pieces, Greek pillars etc.)

- Solid, dark ceiling

Contrasting ‘Light’ and ‘Heavy’ design elements

Features of contrasting ‘Heavy’ and ‘Light’ buildings

- Masonry elements (slate, stone, brick etc.) juxtaposed/adjacent to very modern, light construction materials (stainless steel, bulk glass, suspension) creates clear definition and difference in design making it seem as if the area has transition or is supported by its neighbouring elements.

- ‘Heavy’ construction materials combined with ‘light’ design strategies such as lots of natural light and windows can create a sense of grandeur/importance in large spaces.

- ‘heavy’ design that transitions cleanly (perhaps vertically) into ‘light’ design can seem natural/fluid, highlighting the positive qualities of the natural light and view within the ‘light’ areas and the strength, permanence and security of the ‘heavy’ areas.

- Differences in colour palette of light and dark colours can create the mood for different activities within ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ areas.

- The purposes of different rooms within a single building may require different designs E.g. within a corporation HQ or government house often foyers may be very lit and ‘light’ feeling as people wish to relax or pass through the area while more serious conference rooms/offices may be darker more ‘heavy’ seeming places as actions of significance are done within them.

The transition of the new Law building to more solid elements then to the far more ‘heavy’ design style of Fisher Library is demonstrative of the notes above.