Shadow Casting

An interesting post from Bldgblog.
A creative duo thats investigating objects that can create multiple shadows, recognizable shadows.

"Spotted via New Scientist is an amazing new computer model that allows designers to create objects based on the multiple and highly specific shadows that those objects will cast when lit from different angles.

Seen above is one, relatively mundane example of the technology, by Niloy Mitra and Mark Pauly: three paintings by Andy Warhol are being cast from the same object. "Their computer model can calculate the object shape needed to cast up to three distinct shadows simultaneously," New Scientist explains. The designers call it "editing the shadow volume."

But what if we could do this with a glass tower in midtown Manhattan? Or if there was an elevator moving upward through an all-glass shaft, and as the lights in the lobby around it switch on and off, different—often wildly unexpected—shadows are cast within the building?

What are the architectural possibilities of multiple-shadow casting design? "

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