Martin Centre Research Seminar Series: From theory to practice: a tactile and digital approach to daylighting in architecture

Architecture is associated with increased levels of complexity and technical knowledge, but this should not imply the lack of intuitive inspiration. Tactile experiences favour an explicit knowledge of the importance of space, matter and the location of opacity in relation to daylight. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of daylighting design intentions should be at the forefront of creative thinking in architecture and environmental design. Analysing images obtained from actual spaces and physical models in relation to the latest digital technologies can reinforce the interpretation of daylighting design and performance of a spatial configuration at the speculative stage of composition. This presentation focuses on a design methodology based on image analysis and tactile manipulations using digital and analogical techniques applied to actual architectural projects.

Professor Demers is co-founder of the Co-founder of the Group de Recherche en Ambiences Physiques (GRAP), actively involved in teaching and research of environmental controls in architecture at Laval University, Quebec City, Canada. She completed her PhD in architecture at the Martin Centre in 1997, innovating on the integration of qualitative and quantitative assessments of daylighting in architecture. She is developing and applying her research expertise into architectural design and was responsible for the implementation of daylighting strategies for the New Canadian Embassy in Berlin, The Caisse de Dépôt et Placement (Medal, Royal Architectural Society of Canada, Technological innovation), and the Kruger Centre for Wood Transformation (Excellence Proze, QAQ).