Choreography of Light

This group project focused on observing and recording the movement of natural light across time in the south-facing elevator lobbies at 25 East 13th Street. Our team was assigned to study the fourth floor, with each member documenting a specific two-hour period. Through coordinated methods and collaborative discussion, we examined how sunlight entered the space, interacted with surfaces, and evolved throughout the day.

My individual focus was the 2:30 to 4:30 PM time period. During this window, I traced the solar projection every 30 minutes using red artist tape, capturing how the light shifted and gradually stretched across the floor and wall planes as the sun moved lower in the sky. I paid particular attention to the changing geometry of the light, the softening of edges, and how the longer angles of afternoon light emphasized surface textures within the space.

To complement the physical mapping and observational work, I developed a 3D visualization that simulated the solar interaction within the lobby at my assigned time. This digital study allowed me to test the accuracy of solar angles, predict light behavior in various seasonal conditions, and better communicate the spatial impact of afternoon sun in a controlled and comparative format.

Working with my team allowed us to create a unified approach, aligning physical and digital methods across time slots. Sharing models, observations, and luminance data gave us a more complete understanding of how the lobby responds to solar change throughout the day. The process revealed how time, orientation, and material qualities work together to shape perception and comfort within a space. It also emphasized the value of merging physical experience with analytical tools when studying natural light.