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Wu Wei. / "November 2002." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

The purpose of this study is to make a report on the lighting experiment as it was carried on in the John N. Reagan School and to present the findings of a number of tests that were given the children in this school and in another comparative school in the same system where no lighting modifications were made.

"The Light of Learning-siting and designing a regionally appropriate elementary school." Every place on earth is uniquely composed of various phenomena, such as climate, topography, qualities of light, latitude, ambient moisture levels, etc. We are each profoundly affected by the unique way these general qualities combine in our particular region, and Norberg-Schultz argues that this connection begins at a very young age. It allows us to know our place in the world, to orient ourselves, and to find our "home." Here on the West Coast, one of the most powerful characteristics of place is the quality of our regional light: which fluctuates from a warm August Yellow, to a low winter white. In summer our skies are broad, blue and bounded only by the mountains and sea. During the rainy season, ambient moisture turns the air solid, as white light ebbs and flows through the cedar boughs and around our buildings. Through the design of an elementary school sited on the north bank of the Fraser River Estuary, I attempt to explore how one makes "place"-in this case a place of learning-which is both responsive to site and appropriate to the unique characteristics of region. During my design process the qualities of Regional Light remain the principal generative tool, with the central circulation spine acting as an organizing light scoop/stack ventilation, and each classroom pod bringing natural light in on at least two sides to create a non-glare learning environment. Other key considerations are the programmatic need for dual school/public access to the site, the reintroduction of natural habitat from the adjacent river-front park, and a respect for the layers of history which have shaped the site before its current zoning as an elementary school.

"The Light of Learning-siting and designing a regionally appropriate elementary school." Every place on earth is uniquely composed of various phenomena, such as climate, topography, qualities of light, latitude, ambient moisture levels, etc. We are each profoundly affected by the unique way these general qualities combine in our particular region, and Norberg-Schultz argues that this connection begins at a very young age. It allows us to know our place in the world, to orient ourselves, and to find our "home." Here on the West Coast, one of the most powerful characteristics of place is the quality of our regional light: which fluctuates from a warm August Yellow, to a low winter white. In summer our skies are broad, blue and bounded only by the mountains and sea. During the rainy season, ambient moisture turns the air solid, as white light ebbs and flows through the cedar boughs and around our buildings. Through the design of an elementary school sited on the north bank of the Fraser River Estuary, I attempt to explore how one makes "place"-in this case a place of learning-which is both responsive to site and appropriate to the unique characteristics of region. During my design process the qualities of Regional Light remain the principal generative tool, with the central circulation spine acting as an organizing light scoop/stack ventilation, and each classroom pod bringing natural light in on at least two sides to create a non-glare learning environment. Other key considerations are the programmatic need for dual school/public access to the site, the reintroduction of natural habitat from the adjacent river-front park, and a respect for the layers of history which have shaped the site before its current zoning as an elementary school. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of / Graduate

This thesis investigates how architecture can go beyond basic programmatic requirements of a school to create a more pleasant environment for students and staff through the use of natural light and geometry. / Master of Architecture