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.

Modeling Light investigates how light is designed, represented, and communicated in architectural spaces–tracing methods from analog and linguistic approaches to physically based, real-time digital simulation using ray-tracing and virtual reality to push beyond the limits of human sensation. Grounded in historical context and theoretical frameworks, the course examines how visualization tools simulate perception to illuminate design intent and further sustainability outcomes. 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, while a comprehensive term project will integrate both physical and digital techniques to communicate luminous experiences in a fun and low-stakes learning environment. This will establish 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.

While there are no explicit prerequisites, a solid foundation in digital modeling tools is recommended. Specific digital tools will include Climate Studio in Rhino, and 3ds Max.