In celebration of the eclipse of 2024. Here are some buildings that celebrate the sun! You may even have one closer to home than you think!
Despite your religion or what you believe, becoming aware of the cosmos, and the extent of the universe is humbling and inspiring. We take for granted the sun above our heads everyday (except during winter). But when the sun’s light is focused into a moment, or a sun beam, we notice and are filled with joy.
As rural dwellers, farmers, the sun is important to us, but have we actually thought about it and its place in time and space? The sun is also one of our design tools in architecture! And here are some examples of how to inspire people to connect with the sun through buildings!
Oculus, Sundial, Focus
An oculus is an opening or aperture that focuses the sun's light to create a pattern or reflection on a surface.
There are many examples of ancient’s buildings and cultures that used the sun as part of their architecture. The pantheon in Rome with an oculus at the top of the done, recreates a circular sun moving across the interiors. Not a square beam of light but a circle just as the sun does. There is a familiar farm building that can give you the same affect! Sundial, or solstice temple anyone?
Do you recognize the other building?! (a simple grain bin for our non-farmer readers
Sunset & Sunrise
Whether you are a morning person or a night owl see in the sun rise or set is an inspiring moment. But we often take it for granted.
The site placement of the shed was necessary for function of the farm, but it blocked the long expansive view from my office window. Particular the low winter sunset. The strip of clear polycarbonate around the corner of the building allows not just a glimpse, but an exaggeration of the sunset in the spring and fall!
Colour
Mondern or traditional? Colour can bring a smile to anyone. This modern building in Montreal uses the sun and creates colour. Not so different from our traditional stained glass in churches. There are no new ideas, just reimagining’s. Is the modern affect any less ephemeral?
Pattern
There isn’t anything quite like the filtered light between the barn boards of an old barn. A barn house conversion by default removes this amazing feature. This house design by Cuttler Anderson Architects attempts to recreate it with slatted sliding doors on the face of the building. And a loverly array of light filters into the space! There are many examples of lace or lattice walls that filter and create patterns of light inside spaces.
Passive Solar Heating
There are many houses designed to take in free heat from the sun. There isn’t heat quite like the suns heat. Large walls of glass facing south, with overhangs and protection of course to avoid that overheating. The suns free heat in the winter not only saves money on heating, but also lifts the spirits.
Thermal Mass
We all have experienced a cooler spring day and sitting on a warm rock. This is the principal of thermal mass. The sun warms the rock and it absorbs and maintains its heat despite cooler air temperatures.
This million-year-old rock set by glaciers in the middle of Toronto is part of a very upscale area called Yorkville in Toronto. Or a rock to warm up on after a cool swim! Both very popular places in the spring and fall!
You may need to rethink those rocks on your farm?!
So, with some reframing you too can have epic moments to celebrate the sun, inspire visitors, and create a relationship with the cosmos for your guests!
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