1st Edition

Shadow the architectural power of withholding light

By Simon Unwin Copyright 2020
    192 Pages 386 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    192 Pages 386 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Each of these Analysing Architecture Notebooks is devoted to a particular theme in understanding the rich and varied workings of architecture. They can be thought of as addenda to the foundation volume Analysing Architecture, which first appeared in 1997 and has subsequently been enlarged in three further editions. Examining these extra themes as a series of Notebooks, rather than as additional chapters in future editions, allows greater space for more detailed exploration of a wider variety of examples, whilst avoiding the risk of the original book becoming unwieldy.

    Shadows may be insubstantial but they are, nevertheless, an important element in architecture. In prehistoric times we sought shade as a refuge from the hot sun and chilling rain. Through history architects have used shadows to draw, to mould form, to paint pictures, to orchestrate atmosphere, to indicate the passing of time … as well as to identify place. Sometimes shadow can be the substance of architecture.

    Preface

    Introduction – Our World of Shadow

    Shadow Types

    Drawing Shadow – Sciagraphy

    Drawing with Shadow

    Practical Shadow

    Problematic Shadow

    Shadow Container

    Contained Shadow

    Shadow Threshold

    Narrative Shadow

    Regional Shadow

    Stage Set for Shadow

    Shadow and Time

    Japanese Shadow

    Islamic Shadow

    Le Corbusier – Architect of Shadow

    Endnote

    Acknowledgements

    Bibliography

    Index

    Biography

    Simon Unwin is Emeritus Professor of Architecture at the University of Dundee in Scotland. Although retired, he continues to teach at the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff University, Wales, where he taught for many years. His books are used in schools of architecture around the world and have been translated into various languages.