Light and Emotional Architecture: An Embodied Experience

Abstract

The presented explorative research focuses on the phenomenological relationship and emotional impact of light within architectural spaces, grounded in a pilot study and literature review. Serving as the foundational framework for a Ph.D., this study aspires to decipher the role of light in Emotional Architecture—a term introduced by the German artist Mathias Goeritz in his 1953 architectural manifesto crafted in Mexico. This multidimensional pilot study employs experiential observation and structured interviews, complemented with qualitative and quantitative documentation, all anchored by literature-based insights. Set in the Barragán House, which served as both the studio and residence for the renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán since 1948, the study endeavours to elucidate how architectural nuances—like form, materials, colours, and arrangements—affect lighting conditions, subsequently shaping human emotions and experiences. Through twenty-two interviews, the research captured perceived atmospheres and the inherent intentionality of affordances in architecture, revealing a strong correlation between spatial impact on observers and light-related experiences. The interplay between these elements suggests a compelling avenue for implementing Emotional Architecture conducive to both individual and societal sustainable development.