The lecture “Light as the Soul of Architecture and Place” by Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee (HAS Design and Research) highlighted how light, materials, space, and time shape meaningful architectural experiences. Drawing on their backgrounds with Renzo Piano and Kengo Kuma, they shared a research-driven design approach that transforms ordinary materials and contexts into unique spaces.
Through projects such as Freeing Frameyard, Simple Art Museum, Aluminum Grotto, and the Museum of Modern Aluminum, the speakers demonstrated how natural and artificial light enhance atmosphere, guide movement, and strengthen connections between architecture and its urban and cultural context—both day and night. They also emphasized craftsmanship, sensitivity to context, and the practical value of lighting mock-ups in the design process.
The talk inspired students by showing how thoughtful use of light and materials can create powerful architectural identities and memorable experiences. (Photos courtesy of Lighting Research and Innovation Center (LRIC), KMUTT)