What is Percifal? (Perceptive Spatial Analysis of Colour and Light)

Introduction

Percifal is an innovative project focused on the perceptive spatial analysis of colour and light in architectural environments. The aim of Percifal is to develop a method that can accurately capture and analyse the visual experience of space and light. This article explores the background, methodology and applications of Percifal in the context of architectural design and research.

Background and Development

Percifal (Perceptive Spatial Analysis of Colour and Light) is a subproject within the larger Nordic research project SYN-TES: Human Colour and Light Synthesis. SYN-TES focuses on sharing knowledge and improving communication between disciplines concerned with the human experience of light and colour in space. The project combines expertise in lighting, colour, design and education from various Nordic universities and research institutions.

Methodology

The core of the Percifal method is based on direct visual observations and the recording of these observations through verbal-semantic descriptions. This method was originally developed by Professor Anders Liljefors at the former Department of Architectural Lighting at KTH Architecture. The key premise is that visual aspects of space and light, such as brightness, colour and shadow, cannot be fully captured through photometric measurements alone. Instead, these aspects must be analysed in the context of participation and action within the space.