Institut du Monde Arabe

Paris, France 1987
Architect: Jean Nouvel

Light Study

Spring 1995

This model was constructed as part of a larger study of high-tech curtain walls. The south facade of the Arab Institute contains over 150 panels, each containing 37 operable oculi which act as sun screens. One panel was built in AutoCAD and animated in 3dStudio. The animation illustrates the changing light conditions as the oculi move from a fully open position to a fully closed position. There are 679 moving pieces and two light sources.


may 1995 www.gsd.harvard.edu/~gsd94lb5/cover.html