Sunlight
connects architecture directly to nature, and it allows people to
perceive space constantly changing around them. It is continuously
revealing new areas, edges, curves, and surfaces1. This natural
phenomenon shapes our sense of time and space, and it transforms the way
we perceive our daily environments.
The appropriate use of daylight is extremely important when designing a building or an open public space. Daylight can change dramatically the sense and feel of an area throughout the day in different seasons of the year2. A building’s function, feel, and performance deals directly with the way daylight is controlled and used. When and how sunlight enters a structure or a particular area is crucial. Openings, colors, materials, textures, shapes, and sizes are directly influenced by sunlight. It highlights the building’s design, and it defines the character of its spaces. It makes the built environment dynamic.
The appropriate use of daylight is extremely important when designing a building or an open public space. Daylight can change dramatically the sense and feel of an area throughout the day in different seasons of the year2. A building’s function, feel, and performance deals directly with the way daylight is controlled and used. When and how sunlight enters a structure or a particular area is crucial. Openings, colors, materials, textures, shapes, and sizes are directly influenced by sunlight. It highlights the building’s design, and it defines the character of its spaces. It makes the built environment dynamic.
In addition, daylight has the potential of improving people’s health and their wellbeing3. Thus, it is one of the most important factors when designing a building. Daylight dictates many of the building’s functions, and it accentuates its architecture and form4.
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| © MetropolitanmomentuM |
Footnotes:
1: William M.C. Lam, Perception and Lighting as Formgivers for Architecture (New York: Wiley, John & Sons, 1992).
2: Derek Phillips. Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture (United Kingdom: Routledge, 2004).
1: William M.C. Lam, Perception and Lighting as Formgivers for Architecture (New York: Wiley, John & Sons, 1992).
2: Derek Phillips. Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture (United Kingdom: Routledge, 2004).
3: Mohamed Boubekri. Daylighting, Architecture and Health: BuildingDesign Strategies (United Kingdom: Architectural Press, 2008).
4: Victoria Meyers. Designing With Light (New York: Abbeville Press, 2006).