Malaysian architect on the power of shadows in built design

The spacious green lawn at the front of the Penang Digital Library’s New Annex functions as a ‘shadow basin’, celebrating the shadow play of nature. Photos: BETA

We last discussed the significant impacts of welcoming natural lighting into architectural spaces.

With natural light comes its inseparable twin, the shadow.

As an architect and interior designer, it’s always a joy to choreograph shadows as a moving design element in buildings and interior spaces.

Shadows in architecture are more than just the lack of light; they are strong elements that influence the fundamental character of a space. They are the contrast artists, the depth weavers and the mystery poets who bring a soulful dimension to the built world.

Shadows lend life to architecture, filling it with emotion, storytelling and design traits that transform it from the banal to the sublime in a world where consistently lighted places can appear sterile and lack personality.

Shadow play on the porch of the Mansion Library of the Kedah Digital Library.

When we’re in a tropical climate that blesses us with ample sunlight throughout the year, it’s important to understand the power of shadow and how it can be manipulated in architecture.Unique identity

Shadows are important in establishing the shape of a building. They work like sculptors, shaping surfaces, and emphasising edges and details. Light and shadow expose the true essence of materials and constructions.

When the sun’s rays caress a rough brick wall, it changes into a textured tapestry of shadows, expressing its narrative of workmanship and fortitude.

Shadows give buildings a distinct identity, moulding their personalities and leaving a lasting impression on the beholder’s psyche.

When we designed the Penang Digital Library’s New Annex, we intentionally positioned a spacious green lawn to serve as a grand arrival foreground.

Skylights and horizontal slats form shadow patterns at the Kedah Digital Library.

Many did not realise that the hidden design strategy was for it to function as a “shadow basin” – celebrating the shadow play of nature.

The open space is wonderfully shaded for two to three hours in the morning due to the long shadows cast by the existing tall trees on-site. We visualised the shaded lawn being swarmed with kids romping barefoot across the lawn.Psychological sense of time

Ancient Egyptians used sunlight and shadow to tell time using obelisk shadow clocks. The delicate shadows formed by the mild morning light offer promises of a new day and invite us to embrace its potential.

Then the setting sun waves goodbye, casting lengthy shadows that reach the horizon, signalling the passing of time and the approach of night.

Shadows change strength, direction and length with the seasons, producing an ever-changing symphony of visual poetry that captivates the senses.

Shadows remind us of the wonders of nature and the transient qualities of time.

When connected to these cycles of nature, we’re filled with a sense of calm and peacefulness. Such is the power of architecture on psychological wellbeing.Shadows give spaces a feeling of time and change.

The long corridors of Penang Digital Library’s Community Hall are deliberately wrapped with vertical louvres all around as circulation markers and shading devices. Each day, as the sun rises and sets, the corridors are bathed in moving shadows that never stay the same.

Shadows forming words of wisdom on the floor of the Penang Digital Library’s New Annex.

Light vs darkness

In addition to their aesthetic qualities, shadows also influence the design qualities of architecture. They are the silent guides that shape the layout, proportions and functionality of a space.

Shadows can be used strategically to regulate the entry of natural light, creating a balance between illumination and darkness. They can be manipulated to enhance privacy, create visual interest, and foster a sense of intimacy or grandeur.

Shadows can also be harnessed to promote sustainability and energy efficiency by acting as natural shading devices that reduce heat gain and lower the need for artificial cooling. In this way, shadows become design tools that add depth, meaning and functionality to architecture.

Skylights and horizontal slats form shadow patterns at the Kedah Digital Library.

Adding vitality to a monotonous space

Shadows also help to impart character and individuality to a location. Spaces that are uniformly lit can feel sterile and devoid of the nuances that make a place genuinely memorable. Shadows, on the other hand, add depth, layering and interest.

They offer a dramatic touch, producing a play of light and dark that stimulates inquiry and participation. They serve as focal points, bring attention to specific features, and elicit emotional responses.

Shadows may change a monotonous corridor into an enthralling route, a simple front into an intricately carved façade, and a plain ceiling into a canopy of celestial patterns.

By intent, we inserted a slim linear skylight above the reading area of the Penang Digital Library 2. To foster natural illumination in the space, we calibrated the spacing of each horizontal louvre to cast lines of shadow, which only appear at noon for one to two hours before disappearing with the moving sun. To me, the magnificent showcase of shadow play is the subtle brushstrokes on the canvas of our architectural expression.

Mystery and magic

Finally, shadows are not only a side effect of light in architecture, they are an essential aspect of its core. Shadows are also superb storytellers and mysterious magicians. Shadows reveal the essence of architecture, urging us to appreciate the interplay of light versus shadow and the poetry they contribute to the built environment.

Shadows provide space, an additional layer of personality, emotion and depth. We love manipulating shadows of words of wisdom on the floors of the Penang Digital Library’s New Annex. The silent drama is subtle yet surreal when we see words appear on the floor only at a certain time of the day.

American architect Louis Kahn once wrote, “A room is not a room without natural light”. From all our recent architectural endeavours, we feel strongly that a room is not completely alive unless the shadows dance, revealing the magic that lies within.

Ar Tan Bee Eu is a professional architect registered with the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. She has two decades of working experience involving diverse local and international projects in architecture and design. Tan also teaches at Universiti Sains Malaysia, advocating passive design strategies, design principles and professional architectural practice.