• Archives of design research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.243-254
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• 2003

The aim of this study is to analyze the skylights and roof structures designed by Marie Botta from the viewpoint of the space, the form and the light source, and thus to find out their characteristics. For this purpose, his 13 major works were selected and analyzed according to the principle of design, which could explain the characteristics of skylight and roof structures sufficiently. Trough this study, the followings are realized. 1) The skylights are the main light source in the interiors of his buildings that are comparatively dark, being enclosed by thick materials such as bricks. The roof structures have been precisely designed to disperse the light effectively 2) The skylight and roof structures play the role of form-creating elements in his buildings. They create the unique images for the exteriors and endow form to the interiors. 3) The skylight also serves as a window to communicate with nature outside. Through the skylight, people in his buildings are able to perceive the flow of time and enjoy the scenery of the sky. 4) The light that showers through the skylight and adjusted by roof structures produces special atmosphere in his projects. In his interiors, people can experience a somewhat miraculous and sacred feeling with the light from above. 5) The skylight has meaning as a symbol. It symbolize the relationship between the earth and the sky. Also, in religious projects, a skylight provides a symbolic vision of Heaven for Christians. Comparing with recent works presented in our country, which emphasize simple interiors using artificial light, Botta's works suggest another form of design differentiated from the works of our designers in that Botta's works not only take advantage of natural light by using skylights and roof structures but also utilize them as form-creating elements.