A special evening for UNESCO's International Day of Light
I am 16 May 2025 on the occasion of UNESCO International Year of Light an inspiring evening of talks on the topic of Light and darkness in architecture hosts.
As a guest in the premises of DAY & LIGHT in Munich were Koji Yamanaka and Asako Yamashita from the renowned Japanese architecture firm GENETO from Kyoto.
In their lecture, they spanned the spectrum from traditional Japanese architecture to their own contemporary projects – inspired by literary essays. „In Praise of Shadows“ of Tanizaki Junichiro.
The focus was on the particular aesthetic and cultural significance of shadow in Japanese architecture.
While Western architecture often focuses on brightness, transparency, and visibility, in Japan, the dim light used consciously – it creates spaces full of silence, depth, and intimacy.
Materials such as wood and paper, and extensive eaves, creating gentle transitions between light and dark.
Just this Semi-darkness, the Hidden, lends a quiet dignity to the architecture – an expression of a philosophy that seeks beauty in suggestion, not in the obvious.
Following this, Frank Vetter an equally captivating lecture on the creative power of light and darkness – in both historical and contemporary projects.
He demonstrated how the conscious use of daylight and artificial light in conjunction with shadows not only alters perception but also creates special atmospheres and places. Furthermore, he provided insights into his own experiences in Japan and his collaboration with GENETO – an intercultural exchange that drives creative impulses far beyond borders.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved and all visitors for this special evening!
