Light Forms

[2021-Present]

Light Forms is a comprehensive glass block system aimed at creating site-specific architectural structures that utilize three-dimensional forms studied for light transmission and structural performance. Able to be tessellated in various patterns, Light Forms create spaces that connect passively to the natural shifts of day and night. Sunlight and moonlight are essential to our well-being as humans, providing a critical connection to our location on the planet and to our circadian rhythms. This system prompts people to live more closely with diurnal rhythms by foregrounding passive light and darkness instead electrified and artificial interior environments. The accumulations of glass hold powerful, awe-inspiring light and spatial characteristics, in addition to performing well in compression and reducing the need for numerous materials within the envelope. Still further, when strategically assembled, it is 100% reusable and recyclable. The shifting qualities of light and dark in the natural environment will prismatically transmit within architectural spaces built using Light Forms, encouraging one’s embodied experience to connect with the present moment and the natural environment they exist within, encouraging environmental stewardship and care. This project is supported by the Institute for the Study of Culture and Society Fellowship (BGSU), Glanz Family Collaborative Research Award (BGSU), Taubman School of Architecture Seed Funding (UM), UMOR Research Catalyst and Innovation Award (UM), Arts Research: Incubation & Acceleration, ARIA (UM), Bowling Green Glass Studio (BGSU), and Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum (UM).

[MATERIAL PERFORMANCE / HEALTH]

Project collaborators include:

• Catie Newell, Professor of Architecture, University of Michigan
• Alli Hoag, Head of Glass, Bowling Green State University
• Upali Nanda, Professor of Practice, University of Michigan

Project partnerships include:

• MBGNA – Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum: Anthony Kolenic, Elizabeth Rickerd
• OPLUS – structural analysis, Omid Oilyan, Taubman College Alum
• Gruber Engineering – John Gruber
• Mary A Rackham Institute –  Dr. Christine Asidao
• CEE – Structural Engineering Lab, Dr. Jason McCormick
• Poesia – glass block production
• etC Construction Services – Charlie O’Geen