Architectural Daylighting

“Natural light is the only light that makes architecture Architecture…” - Louis Kahn

Daylight has played a key role in the perception, aesthetics and function of the built environment from its inception. The masterful play of light depends on the designer’s grasp of both the technical requirements and spatial opportunities of natural light. This course will provide instruction in both.

Topics covered include: daylight and health, energy and productivity; daylight and perception; daylight in the atmosphere; daylight and the site; daylight and the section; architectural shading; calculating the daylight factor graphically; calculating daylight luminance and illuminance digitally using Rhino/Diva. Over the course of the semester, related assignments will develop perceptual as well as technical daylighting acuities. At the end of the semester, students will build physical models and put them out in the sun to test and demonstrate an architectural daylighting phenomenon of their choosing located, preferably, in their studio project.