1. Colored Light in Worship Houses and its Effects
Stained glass windows and the light effects inside the Gothic cathedrals
Stained-glass windows can considered as the most fascinating feature of Gothic architecture that is closely associated to the architectural
developments of Gothic cathedrals. With the philosophy of light as a symbolic presence of God, goodness and beauty, the natural sunlight that passes
through the stained glass windows becomes colorful inside the cathedral and creates an atmosphere of mysterious quality to play a metaphorical role
for Gothic cathedrals. The art of Gothic stained glass played the role of storyteller, illustrates Biblical and secular scenes on the windows with
circumstantial design and inspiring color to shine with the light and create an aura for the faithful, made them feel more connected with their faith.
The schematic miniature model of a part of the Saint-Denis cathedral
has made by following plan, height and windows proportionately. Six colors
have chosen for the stained glass windows, these are red, blue, orange,
yellow, white and green. To see the change of lighting environment and
atmosphere inside, photographs were taken at outside at different time and sky
condition during the day. However, the material for the window glasses used in
the model is not the real stained glass but still the changes of color
temperature and brightness level is visible here.
Photographs taken on the month of June at different time during the
day to study the change of lighting environment inside.
The concept of ‘colored light’ in the Gothic cathedrals is developed from the idea of transformation the natural
light into a divine illumination by filtering in the light through colourful glass into the church.
Viewing the Light as symbolic and indicative presence of God, Abbot Suger adjusted the church architecture to illuminate the interior in every
possible way. Eventually that brings a harmony between structure and appearance of the Gothic cathedrals. By using the techniques of ribbed groin
vaults, pointed arches, and flying buttresses; Suger was successful to make the structure light weight enough that allowed opening up the walls for
large windows and bringing the light inside the Cathedral. However, Suger's perception for the windows was not to illuminate the interior with bright
sunlight but to transfer natural light in a mystical 'lux nova' by the use of light-suppressing colored glasses. From the later period of High Middle Ages
which is known as 'stained-glass'. Only the Gothic style cathedrals at High Middle ages produced windows with such rich color and beauty that Gothic
architecture becomes almost synonymous with stained-glass windows.The art of stained-glass has transformed worship into many different levels; it
has not only changes the physical space and sense of place, but also elevates the heart and mind of the believers. Stained glass windows with its
altering beauty of light and color gained the supreme importance while it artistically portrayed the stories of the Bible; literally and figuratively illuminate
the messages of Christianity with great symbolism.
This fascinating art of stained glass is also known as painting with light. As a painting of light unlike other paintings it is not static, rather
spontaneously shifting in color, tone and brightness with changes of weather, time of day and season. Along with luminosity these stained glasses
produce depth for their colour of two dimensional images. And this depth also transformed depending on the position and movement of viewers eye.
Apparently changes of spectrum in the appearances of stained glasses by the changes in the brightness, disposition, atmospheric diffusion and color of
natural daylight keep the whole interior dynamic all day long.
This poster presentation is developed on Thesis for Master of Architectural Lighting Design, Hochschule Wismar during Summer Semester 2015, under the guidance of Professor Thomas Römhild and Professor Michael F. Rohde
by Tasnuva Nasrin, ALD2013
16.45hr15.00hr13.30hr10.30hr09.00hr07.30hr