Abstract
Recent modern architecture shows a lot of cases that introduce natural light in indoor space, arousing diverse emotions within a minimal space by means of changes in the light. There are various causes for the background of these streams of times, and it may be said that pursuing the relationship between natural phenomena and space, using changes in light, is an important factor among them. This is closely linked to the raise of phenomenological architecture. In the case of Japan, there are many cases where the architectural language connected to the traditional architecture has been restructured to fit to modern architectural technique. The modern reinterpretation and development of the Japanese traditional effect of light and its meaning can be seen in cases of Kuma Kengo and Tadao Anndo. Of the modern architects that have used the appearance of spatial concept of light in Japanese architectural space, Kengo Kuma shows his attempt at finding identity in his designs through the acceptance and modern reinterpretation of orientalism of nature, along with the traditional and regional interpretation through materials and ways construction. It is his use oh light input used in traditional Japanese settings that have differentiated his work. On this, the present thesis intends to analyze and synthesize what impressions Kengo Kuma's unique methods of light production create in the formation of users' spatial perception, how the unique encounter of light and materials seems to perceivers, and the characteristics of his light production and expression that harmonize space, human, and nature in the visual and perceptual experience of space;
