Space, time and light - Three forms of Light and space-forms in Asia

Siti Norzaini Zainal Abidin (Taylor's University)
Puteri Shireen Jahn Kassim (International Islamic University of Malaysia)

Cultural Syndrome
Vol 2, No 1 (2020): Cultural Syndrome

There are key ‘forms’ and intensities of natural light when discussed and presented as characteristic archetypical principles in key regions in Asia. Terms used to create certain ‘patterned’ outcomes in terms of the lit environment, and with regards to ancient to modern spaces in Asia are summated as ‘dazzled, dappled and difused’ light. These three intensities or descriptive terms reflect the multivaried climatic conditioned within the Asian region, which traverse the harshness of the tropical sun to the diffused dimness of the temperate climatic sites. Under regions of the tropics, the intensity and sunpath of the tropics are orchestrated by ancient manipulator-builders such as the  case of concux temples of Angkor Wat, at the monumental scale and are discussed as organic and informal dappled sunpaths and gardens in the tropical villages and gardens of India and Malaysia. The diffused light stratagem is discussed with regards of the famous writing ‘In praise of shadows. Modern cases are discussed that represent these three forms of light and its orchestration in space.