Project Objectives:
The project sought to develop pedagogy that could address generative tactics for light-based creative practices. The project was undertaken collaboratively and allowed the instructors to collectively imagine a marriage of real scale light play with architectural representation techniques employing projective logics. We examined the hybrid method as a means of informing the production of light embodied objects and environments by architects and studio artists. The emphasis of the project was twofold. First it focused on the distinction of light as a active medium thus necessitating drawing conventions that would not only locate the medium in space but to also denote its physical presence, or in other words, to depict the medium as both dematerialized and yet active. Second, through a series of direct experiments with the medium, participants were challenged to create spatial definition that involved controlling its physical behavior, in real space, contingent on other materials, for example by way of reflection, refraction, additive color, etc. At each step the intended perceptual outcome of the experiments was discussed.
Project Achievements:
The greatest achievement of the project was the gathering, testing and sharing of teaching methods and resources that would assist students in understanding the nature of light thus gaining a mastery of it as a primary plastic medium, as opposed to a means for enhancing a completed work. The strategies continue to benefit courses in both A&D and TCAUP that both instructors commonly teach but various teaching methods were tested in the winter of 2010 during which the instructors were allowed to team teach an experimental studio course entitled “Borrowing Light.” In addition, to cultivate light based creativity since this project began, the School of Art & Design has significantly augmented one classroom in the Art & Architecture building as a projection studio. This involved permanently installing two projectors, accompanying conduit for cables, and a 360 degree screen, a cyclorama, into a former photography studio to be used for teaching purposes. These resources were made ready before the joint teaching of the “Borrowing Light” course and were funded outside of the Whitaker Grant but were initiated because of the project. The hope is to attain additional funding to further develop this teaching facility.
Continuation:
Yes we will continue to employ the strategies and resources in the courses we teach, especially as spawned by the exercises in artificially controlled lighting. These will apply most directly to the Video Installation course and Architectural Design studio courses that include material interaction light and detail development.
Dissemination:
The courses described above have a long tradition of critiques attended by interdisciplinary colleagues, which will continue, and with whom we can further assess the use value of these technologies in the classroom. The Whitaker also provided travel opportunities to the first international Biennale for Light Art and to the Centre for International Light Art in Unna Germany. The hope is to soon engage both its curators for the Penny Stamps Distinguished Lecture program in A&D so that light works can be shared with the larger university community.
