After six months spent living in a one-window studio in Seoul, Noëmi Orgaer realized the importance of having a connection to the outdoors – even when you’re surrounded by four walls. Her lone window faced the neighbor’s unimpressive wall. Over time, Orgaer began to notice the impact it was having on her state of mind and overall quality of life. It makes sense, as extensive research has shown that our social, mental, and physical well-being can be effected by lack of access. “This experience ignited my curiosity to delve into the history and purpose of windows as an archetype,” she said. “It motivated me to develop a light system that could benefit individuals in similar situations and promote a healthier living environment.” Window Chronicles is an illuminated wall object that draws inspiration from the natural rhythms Orgaer has observed through her current windows in Brussels.
The lighting pays special attention to the dynamic transformation that can be achieved and its influence on interior spaces, accomplishing both through the use of two adjustable components. The interactivity lends itself to the sensation of opening a window, creating an immersive experience. To achieve this reflection of the outdoors, real-time weather data is used to ensure the lighting accurately shares the current conditions through GPS coordinates of its location.
“Window Chronicles embodies my personal interpretation of the window as a tool that enables communication with our environment, and consequently, reflection with ourselves,” Orgaer shared. “And while attempts have been made to replicate the effects of natural light through artificial means, with similar goals to my project, we must remember that the intrinsic value of natural light cannot be overstated or surpassed. It remains important for architectural design to place great emphasis on natural light and therefor windows. I believe viable solutions should be available for those living in spaces with limited to no qualitative window access, especially in situations where construction cannot be reversed or modified. The essence of windows surpasses their function as a mere transitional space, instead functioning as a medium for further exploration of our connection to our natural and artificial environments.”
Noëmi Orgaer
To learn more about Window Chronicles, visit rundgang.io.
