CONTENTS: Introduction 4 Understanding the notion of light and darkness Premise of the study 6 Modes of dealing with light and darkness a) Highly differentiated light-Sense of ambiguity/mystery b) Uniform light-Sense of clarity Aim and objectives 7 Scope and limitations PART 1. Evolving a method of study 1.1 Perception of space 9 1.1 a) Definition of a space • Physical qualities • Perceptual qualities 1.1 b)Making of an interior space 1.1 c)Effect of space defining qualities on body and mind 1.1 d)Relation of outside and inside 1.2 The theoretical background 14 1.2.1 Paul Frankl critical and historical method 1.2.2 Rudolf Arnhiem’s critical and historical method 1.3 The method of analysis evolved for this thesis 21 1.3 a)Spatial characteristics • Placement • Geometry • Axiality and Symmetry • Enclosure 1.3b) Experiential characteristics • Sequence of movement • Visual forces • Transition • Inside-outside • Openings • Light and depth 1 1.4 Pilot case-studies 23 1.4.1 Religious spaces a) Ramnath Mahadev Temple,Mandvi ni pol,Ahmedabad b) Jami Mosque,Ahmedabad 1.4 .2 Residential spaces a) Pol house,Mandvi ni pol,Ahmedabad b) Balkrishna Doshi’s Kamala house,Ahmedabad c) Jhaveri House,Achyut Kanvinde,Ahmedabad PART 2. The study 2.1 Selection of case-studies 45 2.2 The case studies 2.2 a) ATMA and AM 46 2.2b) Old IIM and New IIM 61 PART 3. Conclusion 3.1Observations and Interpretation 77 Bibliography Illustration credits