The Presence of Light and Place

A qualitative and quantitative study of light and place

Light is an intangible material that has a physical presence. It is visible and perceptible; it defines volumes, edges, and boundaries and creates a spirit of place. Light reveals surfaces and volumes, or light is “itself the revelation.” (Turrell, 1987) Architecture and light have an interdependent relationship that has been celebrated for centuries. The interplay between light and architecture has frequently prioritized light, with places celebrating and representing light's phenomena.

On this journey of sensory engagement, a correlation between light and the nature of Place awaits discovery. The DNA of the Place related to the physicality like the ether, light, fire, water, earth, and cultural heritage, history, memories, and folklores create the basis and origin of conceptual design.

The journey within as an exploration of the above elements takes place as a programmatic requirement and as an inner urge to seek and express the self as a restless soul of a seeker to perceive the unseen and unfold layers of imagination.

In this perspective, new design methods are explored and experimented with without committing to spaces, volumes, or materiality to elicit creative participation and deliberating from preconceived ideas and conditionings.

The itinerary and destination are unknown. Cryptic drawings that unravel intricate ideas or awaken the light within are the conceptual design approach.

The pilgrim journey is the measurable and unmeasurable point of encounter between Light and Place. This journey begins with awareness and realization of the unmeasurable.

The measurable happens when giving space and light to an experience. And after providing these two components, it restores access to the unmeasurable original realization.

The pilgrim expresses that connection, its quantifiable and qualifiable aspects, and it is inextricably linked to man's experience of the need to seek the unknown, search for and find light in a land of great history and cultural heritage, where people seek God in a variety of ways, but always remain united despite their beliefs and rituals.

This journey within is associated with a physical journey in the Mediterranean on the Albanian Riviera in Qorra's peak.  It is a harsh, polymorphous natural site in the southern mountain range, where the meeting with the sunlight becomes an experiential phenomenon.

Place-specific light conditions and immersion in Nature facilitate a seeker’s journey, the wandering amongst the unexpected and the exploring of the Self.

Figure 1. The overlapping Planes (first stop)

Figure 5. The Look Up Point (Interior View)

Figure 6. The Union (Third Stop - Orthodox and Muslim Chambers)

Figure 7. The Orthodox Veranda

Figure 8. The Muslim Veranda

Figure 9. View from the Orthodox veranda

Figure 10. The Orthodox Chamber

Figure 11. The Orthodox Hall

Figure 13. The Muslim Chamber

Figure 13. Rooftop View

Figure 14. Rooftop View