Development and practice in the daylighting of buildings

Abstract

Throughout history daylighting has been a crucial factor in the design buildings. Until this century windows have held a special place in architecture. The effects of locational differences and the controls devised to vary the admission of light are discussed. The relationship between the functional needs of people or processes and the adequacy of light are considered in terms of architectural form. Lighting can be strongly evocative and the way it is used can reinforce philosophical ideas which may be implicit in the expression of a building. The spacing and height of groups of buildings also have a bearing on the problem and are discussed. It is concluded that though it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide the illuminances required for many activities by the use of daylight alone, qualities such as visual relief, contact with the outside world, sunlight and the pleasing effects of modelling associated with daylight must be taken into account.