Light Framed Architecture / Heavy Framed Architecture / Contrasting Heavy and Light Architecture

The terms heavy and light are not strictly definitional but appear to refer to the sensations and psychological impact they have upon the persons viewing the structure. There are many different methods that propose to do this to differing degrees of success. Materials and construction techniques and form all have an impact on this outcome.

In contrasting heavy with light, we can also draw up two lists that interest similar or analogous ‘feelings’. Though they are not equal to or synonymous they are often seen in conjunction with that dichotomy.

Below is a brief table highlighting the two camps these terms might fall into.

Heavy Light

Few Many

Low Tall

Sturdy Delicate

Permanent Temporary

broad Narrow

blunt taperred

rooted Floating

durable short lived

strong Weak

dark colour light colour

wide Thin

opaque transparent

bold Hidden

simple complex

Materials

Glass, timber frames and plastics all can give a sense of lightness. Glass allows uninterrupted views and natural light to fill the space creating a feeling of openness to the environment. Heavy solid opaque cladding, or concrete walls however reinforce the notion that the building is separate from the natural environment.

Concrete and masonry generally give a sense of permanence and heaviness to the structure.

Their inherent weight and bulk, and the publics knowledge of the materials properties such as blocking out sunlight, wind, etc. mean that we associate these materials with heaviness.

Techniques

Joining techniques can allow for lightness or heaviness to be expressed. Exposing fasteners, bolts etc can give the impression of floating which results in this theme of a light building. Counter levering aspects of the building can represent lightness as well. Hiding the fastenings and relying on limited but substantial footings, beams, bearers etc can highlight the dimensions of the volume of the structure resulting in a heavy appearance. In contrast multiple studs, bearers, footings etc that are exposed give the impression of lightness.

Form

The shape of a structure can have important connotations on how we psychologically interpret the building as either ‘heavy’ or ‘light’.

A wide base tapered to a narrower top can give the impression of heaviness as it appears that the building is firmly seated or rooted into the ground. The pyramids of Giza are one example. But if that same shape is inverted the resulting effect can be one of lightness as the structure is sitting on only a small spot appearing to be delicately balance.

Colour

The placement of colours can have a great impact on the emotional resonance of a structure. placing darker or lighter colours in different places can affect which components stand out and which components do not, affecting how the eye reads the building. For an example, colours that appear to be strong, dark and dull would give the impression of a heavy look, whilst colours that are bright and subtle such as the colour of white or shades of pale colours would give the impression of a light look.

Volume

The appearance of an object being fully solid in contrary to an object appearing hollow also creates the impression of one being heavy and light. Buildings that uses blocks of bricks or concrete may appear to look ‘full ‘or solid and therefore would look heavy. On the other hand, buildings covered with glass that reveals its interior would appear ‘empty’ or hollow and therefore would be light.

Size

Size can also affect the idea of a structuring appearing to be light or heavy. The illusion of an object being ‘heavier’ than an object that is smaller is profound. Meaning in a literal way, sizes can cause the perspective of appearing to be heavy and light. Although if the material is known the concept of sizes would be invalid. e.g. A small cube of solid metal and a cube of solid plastic twice the size of a small cube, if we know that plastic is lighter than metal we would question the fact whether the smaller cube of metal is heavier than lighter, disregarding the difference in size.State

All buildings start from a new condition however, with exposure to weather and others, its state of wearing out would be evident, and like colours it affects the impression of looking heavy or light. It can be a vibe or a visual impression, a building that has rain marks and its colour fading out appearing dull may have a heavy element to it, while a building that appears brand new and clean may appear light. The difference in age of a building would affect our impression of what is light and heavy.Taking the factors above into account, several buildings around the university and city have been analysed.

The Fisher Library (Contrast)

This building combines elements of both ‘Light’ and ‘Heaviness’. The taller building photographed in the rear is dark in colour against the sky, and contains no trims or frills that overhang the bulky cuboid. This means the structure is seen as a one solid block rather than a group of taller components giving the impression of ‘Heaviness’.

The structure in the foreground, is paler in colour and the top level allows the view beyond of the city and skyline to be seen, therefore appearing lighter.

The New Law Building (Contrast)

This is another building within the university that uses both heavy and light gestures within its design to reach its intentional objectives. The structure is set upon raised stilts composed of concrete posts that have a substantial appearance and diameter. This strong and sturdy base holds up a light steel frame that is clad almost entirely in glass, allowing continuous views from one side through to the other.

UTS Tower (heavy)

The UTS tower is very enclosed and opaque resulting in minimal exposure to the surrounding environment. The heavy concrete walls and small windows as well as the dark brown colour are all heavy elements that contribute to the aesthetics of this building.

Central Park Mall (Contrast)

The building in central park opposite to the UTS

tower is highly transparent allowing the flow of sunlight trough the clear glass that covers the building which is the main element that makes the building appear light. However, its large size adds a heavy element to the structure.

In addition to the qualities of glass, the hanging mirrored glass like platform that seems to be floating creates further lightness to the structure.

Café outside Fisher library (light)

The exposed beams and columns as well as the minimal overhang of the roof are all light element of this structure. The use of the large gaps between the columns creating a vertical feel also results in this light aesthetic feel.

Business School (light)

Like the New Law Building, the business school incorporates timber and glass appearing to be light due to its numerous bonds and joins of

structure. Yet, there are some heavy elements to the business school, with the large platform and concrete pillars attached to it, appearing to be firm. Colours of the building itself uses materials with bright colours, a maple coloured wood planks, cream coloured platform and in addition, it incorporates greenery to it which furthers a light appearance. The thin frames, pillars and cuts of timber would be a great example of lightness in comparison to thick structural forms.

Molecular Bioscience Building (heavy)

Resembling UTS, the molecular bioscience building is fully coated with heavy elements. With the condition of the building being dirty and heavily weathered by the exposure of rain as well as having murky grey concrete and brown colour gives a sense of heaviness. However, had the concrete texture been clean and smooth the colour of the building itself would have a sense of lightness. The solidity of the concrete and the volume of the building gives most of the heavy look. In addition, its large cuts

and lack of small structural components adds to the heavy element. In fact simplicity here seems to be a factor of why this building appears to be heavy.

SMC Conference and Function Centre (contrast)

A unique structure which combines concrete and glass. The SMC is a structure that has both heavy and light qualities. The concrete being the element for heaviness, is simply a shell that is encased by the light glass which creates space for the structure. Without the glass the concrete will appear to be a non-functional solid structure. A great example of heavy and light functioning together. In addition, the steel pillars that holds the glass together also gives the impression of lightness. The effect of

volume is applicable here where the hollowness of the lower half of building is light, on the other hand the solid volume of the upper half is heavy.

TOYOTA SHOWROOM, GLEBE (contrast)

Although the structure has concrete (columns and roof) as a building material it uses glass in a primary portion of the building. This part of the building gives it a light aesthetic feel. Whereas the second half of the building uses concrete and steel which gives it a heavy feel. Thus, this

building is a great example of encasing both light and heavy elements but the difference between the two is very pronounced.

THE QUADRANGLE (heavy)The Quadrangle, a sandstone building,

depicts the use of heavy material even though it has a weathered feel and does not used dark coloured building material. It looks opaque despite having quite a few windows.