S H A D O W L I F E

Shadow is fundamental to architecture. How do we, as§sensory beings, respond to shadow psychologically? §This is a phenomenological investigation of shadow in§architecture through photography, psychological§interpretation and poetic writing. It considers§shadow interpretation, spirituality, beauty and the§Japanese aesthetic, the sublime, masculine and§feminine readings, abstraction of shadow projection,§the creative mind and depression, isolation, and§death. Photographic images encourage the reader to see their surroundings anew to become more acutely§aware and fascinated by the everyday.§Often we are not aware of our environment through§lack of appreciation, observation or interest, yet if§we stop to take time to absorb the beauty of low§illumination found in architecture and nature we may§be able to apprehend a more profound experience of§our existence. As Juhani Pallasmaa says: Art§originates in the emergence of the human§consciousness of self and the encounter with the world. §This work tries to help navigate the darkness which§is our constant companion and becomes a contemplation§of shadow as a real and present force in the§architecture of our shadowlife.