light d ensity | mate r ial dens i ty Light density is the intensity of the light in relation to the volume of the space it fills. The light intensity from natural light can be adjusted by modulating building orientation, roof monitors, skylights, windows, drapes, and shades; artificial lighting is modified with light bulb selection and wattage, shades, reflectors, and dimmers. Humans have primal relations to flames as light sources — candles and fires, as they change over time — flaming high and burning to a soft glow from the embers. The modulating light intensity changes the spatial dimension of architecture; conversely the intensity of the light is held constant and either the perceived or actual spatial volume is changed, then light density changes proportionally. Material density, when considered phenomenologically, is the perceived mass relative to spatial volume. A reflection seems weightless, and a shadow weighty. Transparency has less material density than opacity, though their actual scientific density may be the same. Perceived spatial volume is derivative of the material light of a room.
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