Let There Be Light
Architectural historians consider fire to be the first form of architecture as it was the first element humans used to define space. The light and heat from fire created a radius of warmth and sufficient light that early humans could gather within. Until the beginning of the 20th century, structural systems prohibited large openings in exterior walls so that even during the day interior spaces could be quite dark. In this way space continued to be defined by the light source, whether it be chairs gathered around a fireplace or a desk beside a window. The design of stands and shades for candles and later electric bulbs allowed for more flexibility within a space as the light could be moved and evenly distributed.
