Image: matteo_dudek | Flickr

Experiencing an underground building can be quite different from the usual above-grade architectural building types that often take light for granted.

Underground, light becomes a high commodity.

Light can be sculpted like clay underground — it can be molded, filtered and juxtaposed. Play with light in subterranean buildings can serve to guide, prepare and surprise occupants experiencing the space.

In addition, it is always an interesting experience to exit an underground building — natural daylight always seems different (with its vibrancy). It would be nice if above-grade portions of buildings would pay attention to their use of light (the way well-designed subterranean buildings often have to).

Of equal importance is the transition between the two — perhaps light can become and experiential journey from high to low, and visa versa.

Try imagining your current building having to exist underground. This just might jolt you to think about using building technologies and nature in whole new ways.

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your feedback on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter followers by “tweeting” it using the re-tweet button on this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman