Light in the wilderness

“And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you.”
First Book of Nephi 17:13

Inspired by a passage in the holy scriptures, this project explores the concept of light in the wilderness by drawing on natural, neutral, and subdued materials to build the backdrop, while blending authentic and inventive light effects to ultimately create a home that offers respite in the “urban wilderness.”

A couple with four children, the owners of this residence prefer to maintain a balance between family closeness and individual privacy. The floorplan thus devises two traffic flows to simultaneously fulfill this request. Based on existing window types, two distinct atmospheres resembling daytime and nighttime, respectively, evoke a sense of light movement and temporality. Imageries are achieved by two kinds of light effect. First is physical, which encompasses natural sunlight from
the windows, indirect light within the interior, and various light fixtures, all serving as tangible sources of light. Second is inventive, achieved by artworks placed in various corners in the residence. Thematically associated with light, these artworks represent the spiritual essence of light.

The space begins from an artwork (“Post-Digital Surface” series) at the foyer. Stepping into the residence, one will immediately notice the continuous transformations of the artwork as they move. This visual wonder sets out to impart the experience of infinite variations even on an ordinary day, like a pleasant surprise welcoming the residents when they return home.

Next is the communal traffic flow. Through the suspended light rods resembling a screen of inverted silver grass, one catches a glimpse of an area seemingly enclosed by a light box. On the wall, color codes reminiscent of the sky symbolize the light guiding one home, exuding gentle warmth as the hues shift. Two sets of sofa referencing giant boulders are distributed in the wilderness. The placid and serene stone veneer walls, weathered iron cabinets, and wind-swept wooden panels collectively form an abstract landscape.

The suspended lamps are arranged randomly to create a visual rhythm akin to swaying silver grasses, injecting a vibrant mood into the otherwise quiet space. The existing architectural structure is intentionally exposed to showcase the raw beauty of unadorned concrete columns and fire-resistant metal H-beams. The eccentric design seeks to emphasize the inherent strength and stability of the building.

At the end of the living room is a vivid painting with layers of thick oils. Made via a scraping technique, the work expresses the mental transformation when light enters the artist’s life. In addition to the living room, this common area connects the master bedroom and a multipurpose room. The multipurpose room is intended to not only extend the common area but also connect the private space of the couple.

The other traffic flow dedicated exclusively to the residents connects the dining area, kitchen, and children's rooms. As the primary site of activities, this area draws on a light effect different from that in the living room. Instead of natural light, here the lamps contribute to an evening ambiance. Translucent stones are gently glowing structures imparting serenity and coziness. The dining area, including a kitchen and a bar, is inspired by stacked stone slabs found in nature. The usage of distinctive palettes and materials aims to infuse variability in daily life. Meanwhile, smaller art pieces echo the overall tone of this private domain, whereas a mixed media artwork employing grating illumination technology presents a dance between light and shadow to heighten the dining experience.

Although the two flows divide the residence, they are fluidly connected by a central corridor. Within this corridor, a video sculpture suggesting water and light guides the interconnectedness and interaction in the space. The wilderness may appear silent, it is nevertheless bustling with life. Light is omnipresent in this expansive vista, always illuminating the hearts of the family, like an eternal flame.