Shadowscape in Urban Housing
As an architect, I completed my studies in the Spatial Design master's program at the Royal Danish Academy. Drawing from my experience in architectural offices specializing in housing renovations in Taiwan, my passion for observing, analyzing, and designing interventions for homes has remained steadfast.
During my master's project, I made history as the first student in the Spatial Design Program to undertake a theoretical master's project. This project involved both theoretical research on spatial quality of home and the design proposal for home interventions.
Following my academic journey, I continued my research as a guest researcher at the Centre for Privacy Studies at the University of Copenhagen. My research primarily focuses on the evolution of privacy within the home environment, spanning from the early modern period to the present day. Additionally, I have contributed as a columnist in the spatial design magazine, WABISABI Magazine, shedding light on spatial design worldwide for readers in Taiwan.
In addition to my role as a guest researcher and columnist, I am currently serving as the guest editor for the June edition of Taiwan Architecture Magazine. Building on my research experience focusing on home environments, I curated the edition's main theme around house museums across Europe. Collaborating with academics and professionals from Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK, we have facilitated discussions on the conservation and creative utilization of historical houses. Our collective aim is to explore new avenues for public engagement with historic houses while advocating for sustainability.
I am committed to advancing my research on shadowscape within urban homes and designing interventions for windows in modern housing. The complexity of urban environments and the close proximity of households necessitate a thoughtful approach to address issues such as excessive glare, heat, and privacy concerns stemming from large windows. Particularly in Nordic climates, where abundant daylight is seasonal, the blessings of winter sunlight can turn into summer overheating and compromised privacy.
My proposed project, an extension of my master's thesis, builds upon a theoretical framework exploring how the interplay of daylight and shadow shapes social gatherings and home atmosphere. For instance, studies suggest that low-level illumination contributes to a cozy ambiance. Additionally, I plan to develop practical tools for analyzing the effects of shadow and light, such as a simplified model using a ball, to understand the texture and intensity of shadow and light.
Moreover, I aim to design window interventions that offer adjustable features to control light and shadow levels indoors. To disseminate my findings, I will write articles on selected case studies, host workshops demonstrating methods for observing shadowscape at home, and propose innovative window designs.
This project seeks to raise awareness of the significance of daylight and shadow in home environments, advocating for small interventions to enhance living conditions. Furthermore, it aims to address the implications of global warming on urban living by providing actionable solutions for adapting to changing climatic conditions.