Urban Shadow
De l’aube au crépuscule, from dawn to dusk, we do not often notice how the sun plays on surfaces and enters buildings. Of course, when it is too hot, we close the blinds to keep it out. We also enjoy that vitamin D break on a winter’s day when our faces absorb the week rays whilst walking on the sunny side of the street. The greatest source of free energy on earth is our sun and not only does it warm the planet and grow our vegetables; it also freely animates our urban landscape in shadows and shifting perspectives.
Unlike the fixity of cast concrete, cast shadows move as the earth, like a moth to a flame, winds its way around the sun. The sun’s azimuth and altitude change over the four seasons. The cycle expresses itself with ever longer or shorter shadows depending upon which solstice we are approaching. Our shadows get shorter as we move towards the summer and longer as we head into winter.
Sundials record the earth’s progress from hour to hour and the length of the shadow records our progress from season to season. From horizon to zenith, our eyes instinctively pick up Helius’ solar signals from the world around us.
Steel Staircase, Montréal
This simple staircase caresses its brick façade. The angle and depth of the shadow silently tell us about the time of day and season: thoughtful reminders about our place in time.
Steel Dome, Toronto
At a waterfront park on Lake Ontario, this dome clothes us in the ephemeral lattice of its shadows.
Grain Elevator, Montréal
The perception of the cylindrical curve is enhanced by the shadow’s gradient from light to dark. The stairway also wraps around the other side to further emphasize the roundness of the structure. The projected steel frame adds texture to the smooth surface.
Window Coffers, Helsinki
Let the light in! This system is designed to keep the hot summer sun out whilst admitting warm lower angled winter rays. All sorts of shading devices (brise-soleil, louvers, trellises, eggcrates, blinds, and shelves) are used to let natural light in without overheating a building in the summer and yet capturing the waves in the winter.
Centre de commerce mondial, Montréal
The atrium not only bathes the façades in light, but it also provides us with an interstitial space where we can appreciate Montréal’s historic ruelle des fortifications.
Montreal Apartments