Light Revealing Architecture [Hardcover]

Marietta S. Millet (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0471286443 | ISBN-13: 978-0471286448 | Edition: 1

"The extraordinary range of architecture [presented by Millet] coupled with the author's lucid presentation of light as a rich and evocative part of design is central to what architects do, or ought to. This book fills a vast need for the design profession." -- M. Susan Ubbelohde, University of California, Berkeley "Marietta Millet takes us through ancient and contemporary buildings in a manner knowing and gracious, with a combination of universal principles and local details that informs and delights. This book will be a splendid contribution to the literature on lighting." -- John S. Reynolds, University of Oregon Published By John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Light Revealing Architecture Marietta S. Millet The emotional and physiological impact of lighting has become one of the leading issues in today’s design professions. In Light Revealing Architecture, nationally recognized authority Marietta Millet goes beyond fixtures and hardware, lumens and light bulbs to explore the timeless principles of lighting, as evidenced in architecture, by using examples ranging from ancient to contemporary buildings. Using over 400 illustrations — plans, sections, diagrams, and photos — Millet shows how specific lighting effects are achieved from an architectural approach. She does this while examining the meaning of light in relation to those inhabiting the space. In this groundbreaking book, Millet bridges gaps that currently exist between how architecture is taught in schools and what methods are practiced in the profession. She deftly examines the relationships among:

• qualitative and quantitative aspects of lighting
• the complementary use of daylighting and electric lighting
• poetic and practical approaches to lighting

In each of four fascinating chapters, Millet explores a separate aspect of light:

• In "Light Revealing Experience" she looks at ways in which light connects us to climate, time, and specific places and activities (such as reading).
• In "Light Revealing Form" Millet discusses the formal, material, and structural aspects of buildings as they are revealed in light.
• In "Light Revealing Space" the author explores the ways in which light defines the boundary between inside and outside, affects spatial definition, and provides orientation.
• In "Light Revealing Meaning" Millet considers the conceptual side of light: contemplative light, theatrical light, metaphorical light, symbolic light, and divine light.

Each chapter ends with an in-depth look at one exemplary building that illustrates significant issues discussed in the chapter. Its innovative, up-to-the-minute approach makes Light Revealing Architecture an indispensable tool. It will inspire practicing professionals, stimulate students, and provoke discussions for years to come.

From the Back Cover

"The extraordinary range of architecture [presented by Millet] coupled with the author’s lucid presentation of light as a rich and evocative part of design is central to what architects do, or ought to. This book fills a vast need for the design profession." — M. Susan Ubbelohde, University of California, Berkeley "Marietta Millet takes us through ancient and contemporary buildings in a manner knowing and gracious, with a combination of universal principles and local details that informs and delights. This book will be a splendid contribution to the literature on lighting." — John S. Reynolds, University of Oregon Published By John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471286443
• ISBN-13: 978-0471286448
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,720,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very EN"LIGHT"ENING book!, August 14, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Light Revealing Architecture (Hardcover)

Any spatial experience is intimately connected with the experience of light. The author has very articulately described this phenomena in architecture, using four major themes - where light helps with a physiological EXPERIENCE, gives a building FORM, defines and enhances SPACE, and thus gives it MEANING. This is an excellent book, well written and has a good association with all aspects of lighting, studied and explained with the help of a wide range of buildings and architecture. It makes a very strong (and convincing) argument, for all designers to pay attention to the importance of light while planning and designing their spaces or buildings.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars does everything right, July 21, 2007

By 

just a guy (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light Revealing Architecture (Hardcover)

This book is great. Nearly everything about it is clear, concise, informative, and inspiring.

The format is worth mentioning because the author does everything right. Each chapter is dedicated to a single principle of lighting design, and is immediately followed by a case study that beautifully illustrates that same principle. Also, whenever the text mentions a particular building or room - there is always a lovely and appropriate photograph of that very same room or building RIGHT ON THE VERY SAME PAGE. This is a rare example of a well-concieved and thoughtfully executed book on architecture.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought-Provoking and Inspiring, October 10, 2011

By 

Theseus "theseus" (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light Revealing Architecture (Hardcover)

This is a dense and throughtful book that deftly combines theory and practice.

This is in not "architecture porn." The text is the engine here and the illustrations, well...they illustrate the ideas being put forward. The ideas grappled with center around the timeless principles of how light affects architecture -- specifically how light affects experience, how light reveals form, how light shapes space, and even "light revealing meaning." (I raised my eyebrow at that last one, but after considering the book's examples of theatrical light, festive light, contemplative light, and divine light, I got on board!)

Most welcome are four focused sections of the book that consider, for 7 to 12 pages, the interaction between light and architecture of a single building. My favorite of these is Aalto's Mount Angel Abbey Library.

Book nitty-gritty: glossy pictorial boards with a sewn binding; 181 pp. Released without dustjacket. Something like 350 illustrations, most of them in color: mostly color photos with floorplans, elevations, and some sketches. Indexed. Bibliographic and (some) narrative End Notes.