Category

Region

2024 - Reverse Lighthouse

Category
Daylight investigations - Region 1: Western Europe

Students
Oriol Pedescoll Coma

Teacher
Jordi Hidalgo Tane

School
University of Girona

Country
Spain

Download
Download project board

The project explores the intricate relationship between light and water through a minimalist design. The setup comprises a white cylindrical base with a hollowed-out semicircular opening at the bottom, surmounted by a transparent, water-filled dome.

Interaction of Light and Water

– Refraction and Reflection:
The transparent dome filled with water acts as a lens, refracting light that passes through it. This refraction can create various optical effects, such as focusing light into a beam or dispersing it into a spectrum. Additionally, water’s reflective properties can cause light to bounce within the dome, creating an interplay of light and shadow that adds depth to the visual experience.

– Magnification and Distortion:
– The curved surface of the water-filled dome has magnifying effects. Objects viewed through the dome can appear larger or distorted, depending on the viewer’s angle. This magnification enhances the aesthetic quality of the object, drawing attention to the fluid dynamics within the dome.

– Diffusion of Light:
– The dome diffuses light, softening harsh shadows and creating a gentle, ambient illumination around the object. This diffusion is particularly effective in emphasizing the form and texture of the cylindrical base, enhancing its sculptural quality.

-Conceptual Significance:
The project symbolizes purity and clarity through the use of clean lines and simple forms. The interaction between light and water in this context can be seen as a metaphor for transparency and fluidity in design and thought. The water-filled dome, with its ability to manipulate light, represents the transformative power of nature and the subtle complexities inherent in seemingly simple elements.

– Educational Tools:
This setup can serve as an educational tool to demonstrate basic principles of optics, such as refraction, reflection, and magnification. It provides a tangible way to explore how light interacts with different materials.

– Aesthetic and Emotional Impact:
The overall aesthetic is minimalist and serene, evoking a sense of calm and contemplation. The use of white and transparent elements creates a visually soothing effect, while the dynamic interaction of light and water adds an element of intrigue and wonder. This combination can evoke an emotional response, encouraging viewers to reflect on the natural beauty and complexity of light and water.

In conclusion, this project masterfully showcases the harmonious relationship between light and water, leveraging their physical properties to create an object that is both visually striking and conceptually rich. It stands as a testament to the power of simple, elegant design in evoking deeper reflections on the natural world.