Mastering Light Properties and Modular Design Principles

Light and Its Properties

Types of Light

• Natural light: The light source is the sun; it has a strong peak but is weak at dawn and dusk.
• Artificial light: This uses a bulb as a light source. It is strong when the focus is intense and close, and weak when it is less intense and far.

Qualities and Direction of Light

The appearance of an object varies with the type of artificial or natural light and is influenced by its direction, quality, and intensity.

Direction of light: This refers to the position of the light source relative to the object we are looking at.

• Front light: Positioned forward, producing a quiet effect.
• Side light: Positioned to the side, producing more relief, mystery, and dimension.
• Central light: Positioned up and down, producing more dynamism.
• Overhead light: The light is located below or above the object; it increases the drama.
• Backlight: Focused behind the object, producing the effect of backlighting.

Intensity of Light

• Hard light: Created by the sun during strong central hours or a close, intense focus.
• Soft light: Created by sun through clouds, sunset, or dawn. It is less intense and distant, resulting in low contrast and low sharpness.

Areas of Light and Shadow

We need light, objects, and surfaces to produce shadows.

Types of Shadow

• Own shadow: The shadow located on the parts of the object that do not receive light.
• Cast shadow: The dark image projected onto a flat body or surface.

Light and Shadow Zones

• Zone of light itself: The area that receives light directly.
• Twilight zone: The area that receives light less directly.
• Light area reflected in shadow: Indirect or reflected light that a body receives from another illuminated object.
• Shiny area: This area is subject to certain characteristics; it is only produced on polished surfaces where a beam of light crashes into the surface, bounces, and exits in the opposite direction.

Networking Modules and Rhythms

• Module: A simple or compound form that is repeated in a plane or area to form a structure.
• Submodule: Has the same form as a module but combines with others to form a complex structure.
• Modular rhythm: A harmonic combination and succession in order.
• Monoform rhythm: Consists of only one form.
• Travel rhythm: The module is moved horizontally.
• Rate of rotation: Follows a circular motion.
• Rhythm of texture and color: Can alternate color and texture within the same module.
• Module mirror symmetry: Features faces as mirror images.
• Binary stranded rhythm: May alternate more than one module.