In the work of Steven Holl Architects, light is a building material as tangible as stone or concrete. The term luminance speaks to SHA’s pursuit of architecture that not only houses light, but amplifies and emits it. The architecture of luminance not only achieves functional illumination, but also creates an emotional register. Light is treated as a living element that animates space, fosters tranquility or drama, and connects the building to its environment in a constantly unfolding dialogue of glowing transparency and opacity.