Karl Desai

Ground floor small picture gallery space

The light enters through openings located at the top of two walls (similar to a clerestory), around 500mm high and running the length of both walls. This fits the classification of a “side lit” space. It was envisaged that the limited light entering would reflect off the ceiling providing a very soft light. Glare in the space would be almost impossible. The lighting was left very limited for such a large space, and controlled artificial lighting would be an ideal supplement for the small and delicate pictures on display.

First floor small picture gallery space

This space is lit through a “wall slot”, with an opening running the perimeter of the ceiling on three sides (the three sides on which pictures would be displayed on walls below). Inspiration for this lighting technique was found from the Musee du Jeu de Paume, Paris.

The height of the opening above the ceiling was determined by experimentation. Too low and the light would be too harsh, too high and the light would be too soft. The opening is located approximately 1000mm above ceiling height, so that the light is reflected and soft.

Large art gallery space

This double height space is flooded with natural lighting from the curtain wall facing the courtyard area and a “restricted daylight diffusing ceiling” with two openings along perpendicular axis. The opening running along the top of the wall would illuminate the wall and provide reflect light to the rest of the space. The wall lighting could be used for artworks placed on the wall e.g large graffiti works. The opening perpendicular to it is central to the space and would ideally illuminate sculptures requiring more focussed light. The room is also open plan allowing for viewers to walk all the way around sculptures.

The curtain wall is set significantly back from the perimeter of the building facing the central courtyard area. Also, it doesn’t stretch the full height of the wall, only about two-thirds. These decisions were made to limit the amount of direct sunlight entering the gallery space.

Once again the height of the opening above the ceiling was influenced by the types of artwork on display in the space. As a more concentrated light was required (for the sculptural works, and also because of the space’s height, 5000mm), the openings were located about 200mm above ceiling height.

Shop

It was anticipated that the shop would display both pictures and sculptural works. This presented difficulties in the lighting conditions. The final solution was to divide the room in two (and locate the shop counter at the end of the space). The right-hand side has a 1000mm opening running the full length of the building and down the end walls. The adjacent building would provide significant overshadowing, allowing a soft light to penetrate the building and to the opposite walls where the pictures would be on display.

On the opposite side of the space, three “two-way windows” that run up the walls and into roof openings provide lighting for sculptural works. The direct lighting would be ideal for displaying sculptural works below the roof openings. The “two-way windows” were intended to function for patrons outside to look in at the sculptures on display and for patrons inside to out at the graffiti works on display on the facing wall.

Workshop

The workshop has south-facing curtain walls which allow constant light into the space. The northern and western walls are blocked so as to not allow harsh sunlight in during the day.

Living Area

The openings for the living space were concerned with privacy. An opening in the bedroom faces a blank exterior wall of the site (adjacent building). The opening allows light in and limited views of any sculptural works that may be on display in the area directly below.

A strip of opening allows the person inside to view out, views in would be near impossible. A floor to ceiling opening at the south end of the building in the hallway allows views of the site.

Entertainment Space

Similar to the shop, lighting for the entertainment space was difficult in that both sculptural and picture artworks would be on display. Rather than creating multiple rooms which would inhibit the free flow of viewing, once again the room was divided with pictures displayed on the right and sculptures on the left (as in the drawing).

External courtyard area with building elements tying the buildings to the site, and creating a sense of repetition.

Maintaining visual connection through the site with an opening running the full length of the roof and down the end walls. Lighting used for display of pictures on opposite wall.