Modern Areas of Light and Colour Application in Architecture

Abstract

The paper examines modern trends and techniques for the use of light and colour in architecture. The variety of existing approaches and technical capabilities in the light-colour organization of various types of spaces is systematized and presented in four areas: umbra (lat., illusion), spectrum (lat., spectrum), nuntius (lat., message), affectio (lat., mood). Each of those directions is characterized and illustrated with examples of actual and educational projects. The experience of Russia, Europe, and America since the mid-1980s is highlighted (the main examples are after 2000). Among the projects under consideration, there are objects demonstrated at international exhibitions (Expo 2015 in Milan, 58th Biennale of Contemporary Art in Venice 2019), large cultural centres (Louvre and the Musical Seine complex in Paris, Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow), virtual installations by the American bureau «Diller + Scofidio» for a number of public buildings, a competition project for the reconstruction of the Sukharev tower in Moscow, and diploma projects for the renovation of industrial territories - the former «Znamya Truda» plant in Moscow and the central part of the Moscow region town of Pavlovsky Posad. Simultaneously with the allocation of these four areas, a conclusion is made about the impossibility of their isolated existence. We are talking about the priority or emphasis of one of the directions (approaches) in a specific project, depending on environmental factors and the architect’s intention. A review of world experience allows us to conclude that lighting design and its artistic use turn space into an event, fill it with special dynamics and expressiveness, implement the communicative function of architecture, sharpening the emotionality of perception.