Reflections

Throughout Phase 3 and 4, I have been able to explore the effectiveness of using lighting to enhance user encounters, as well as critically reflecting on design strategy options. This proposal has further improved the accessibility of the initial scheme, ensuring all main spaces are inclusive for all users within the community. Additionally, the integration of the ground and first floor, to the central stair has maximised the opportunity for natural encounters to take place. Through the exploration of precedent studies, such as Replica House Studios, this approach is seen to be stressful, with daylight casting coloured patterns on to floor levels and walkways.

Having made a 1:100 model, it further informed my decision to explore lighting studies. I experimented with the effects of natural daylight on 2 different balustrade designs. It became apparent that the use of natural light would not create a vibrant cast of colours directly onto the walkways, therefore I decided to further explore the use of LED directional lighting.

An area I would have liked to further explore would have been the movement of light through spaces. As this is an interactive design for its users, I feel by having moving casts of colours reflecting on the concrete would make the experience more exciting and engaging for its users. Additionally, it could be a user interactive movement of light, whereby buttons can be pressed to bring lights on, or move lights around forming moving casts of colours. This idea of playful spaces could also be brought further into the structure, by having moveable walls and openings whereby people can hide or pop out. Although, this could bring a different type of encounter, that is less natural.

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