2024 - BRIGHT LIGHT

PROJECT BRIGHT LIGHT:
The project is located in Colombia, in the foundational center of the city of Bogotá, specifically in the locality of Usme, which presents interesting architectural processes such as the mixture between urban and rural buildings, the interconnection between the heritage and the modern, this process allowed the project to adapt to those characteristics.
CONCEPT
The project was based on the intervention of light and shadow to transform and highlight spaces of the houses, such as social areas and bedrooms, manipulating light at specific points to generate unique and dynamic effects, such as the implementation of lattices and dynamic elements, showing nuances that reveal and conceal interior and exterior elements, such as corridors and areas of permanence, making the most of the project’s visuals to create a sense of warmth and unity among the occupants, seeking to acquire awareness of the presence of light in the environment and its behavior towards design.
METHODOLOGICAL PROCESS
The project was developed to maintain a use of residential housing where fixed and transitory homes are presented, which are intended for families with multiple characteristics, as well as wattle constructions that allow the execution of workshops, production, and storage of natural agricultural products, taking advantage of both urban and rural areas with a predominance of crops, which could result in a successful business.
Furthermore, the project adapts to the unique topography of Usme, taking advantage of the natural characteristics of the terrain to create a sustainable and harmonious environment. Just as the Local Mayor’s Office adapts to the hills and valleys of the locality, ”Bright Light” integrates with the landscape.
IDEAS AND RESPONSES
Since its inception, ”Bright Light” has been conceived as more than just an architectural project. It is an ambitious vision that seeks to address the spatial and visual challenges of the population, to improve their conditions through optimal and well-thought-out spaces. The form of our project was designed based on the guidelines of the neighboring roofs, making a subtraction in the transitory homes in a circular shape and maintaining the residential housing with the same shape as the projection lines, the fixed homes are intended for families with diverse characteristics, while the transitory ones offer accommodation for tourists interested in agricultural interaction and getting to know life in Usme. The internal distribution of the project has been carefully designed with attention to the needs of the residents, in the residential housing, two families live, which, on the first floor, are those in charge of the agricultural inputs project, while on the second floor, a couple of elderly adults already retired reside. The transitory homes, on the other hand, offer accommodation for six people each and are available for both the local community and tourists interested in visiting this part of Bogotá. Flexibility is another key feature of ”Bright Light”. The project’s adaptability, both in terms of uses and occupancy, allows for a harmonious integration with the urban and rural environment of Usme.
MATERIALITY AND TECHNIQUE.
The implementation of materials such as white tiles and walls coated with white fine mortar allows playing with light and shadow, creating a comfortable and cozy interior environment for residents.
Light direction and orientation: The Bright Light project takes advantage of the east-west orientation to maximize the entry of natural light during the day. Through light simulations, it has been determined that social areas receive an average of 800 lux, while bedrooms reach 600 lux, ensuring a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
Luminous measurements: Lumen measurements have been taken to ensure optimal lighting levels in each space. For example, work areas have 600 lumens per square meter, while rest areas maintain a softer illumination of 400 lumens per square meter, promoting a comfortable and relaxed environment.
Constructive details for light manipulation: Architectural elements such as skylights and solar screens have been integrated to control the entry of natural light and prevent overheating. Additionally, the use of reflective materials such as white mortar contributes to amplifying the brightness inside the homes, thus maximizing the use of natural light.
Energy management: The project incorporates low-energy LED lighting systems, programmed to adjust automatically according to occupancy schedules and the availability of natural light. It is estimated that these measures reduce energy consumption by 30%, promoting the sustainability of the project and minimizing long-term operating costs.
CONCLUSION
”Bright Light” is much more than just an architectural project. It is an ambitious vision that seeks to positively transform the lives of its residents and reclaim the visual perspectives of spaces, according to light as a design source in architecture.