The invention of Skiagraphia by ancient Greek painter Apollodorus left an indelible mark on western civilization. Applying shade and shadow to drawn work, or ‘rendering,’ fundamentally transforms 2-dimensional drawings from abstractions to representations of phenomenal experience. It prefigured an explosion of exploration into the qualities of light and perspective during the Renaissance, inspiring the scientific revolution’s quest for a philosophical and physical understanding of light, and the engineering science of illumination.

How is light designed, represented, and communicated? Tracing methods from analog and linguistic approaches to physically based, real-time digital simulation using ray-tracing and virtual reality, Modeling Light explores how visualization tools simulate (and push beyond) human perception. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on experimentation, students will work across multiple modes of modeling light –including drawing, physical prototyping, notational and mathematical systems, and a range of digital workflows for daylight and electric lighting analysis and design.

By engaging directly with luminous phenomena, students will cultivate an intuitive and critical understanding of the language of light. Assignments will cover fundamental methods and tools for daylighting and electric lighting design, while a comprehensive term project will integrate physical and digital techniques to communicate luminous experiences in a fun and low-stakes learning environment. This course will establish for students both a strong conceptual foundation and technical fluency in contemporary lighting practices, offering concrete opportunities to incorporate learned techniques into their studio and future professional work.

Modeling Light is part of a two-course sequence of lighting coursework, following the diurnal cycle over both semesters. Beginning at sunrise, Modeling Light focuses on interior spaces experienced from dawn till dusk, and whose primary audience is Architecture or MDes students. Picking up at sunset in Spring 2027, “After Dark: Ecology, Justice, and Joy in the Nocturnal Luminous Environment” will continue the diurnal cycle through the night, catering to all GSD students and offering special relevance for those in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. While there are no explicit prerequisites to either course, a solid foundation in digital modeling tools is advised. Specific digital tools will include Climate Studio in Rhino, and 3ds Max.