Examples of Utulizing Natural Light

In this following blog I started to research different interiors in order to be able to fully comprehend how natural light is correctly integrated into a space. I came across certain knowledge that I was not aware of; such as the fact that natural light to be strategically correct should access from more than one access point. 

contemporary home interior design and natural light 

 In the above photograph an example is seen on how natural lighting effects an interior through the use of windows. The amount of light that is accessing the interior provides a well-lit space and a calming balanced atmosphere. Although the natural light provides light to the interior and makes the spatial space look more open by having the light accessing the space from one side shadows are immediately cast onto the space and when the occupant would be facing the windowed wall he may experience glare vision due to the intensity of the light as the light has no other source of light to balance itself with.

A comprise for such a situation is to use diffusers with the windowed wall such as light fabricated curtains as that way light is still accessing the interior and provides a more open look yet the intensity would not effect the occupant as much.

california interior natural light 

  

In this interior example natural light has two points of access thus balancing itself out, still glare could be caused due to the amount light that is entering the space yet by placing the bamboo sticks on one side of the glass wall it still managed to work as a diffuser as the sticks broke the light coming in at once to access between each bamboo and creating a interesting shadow effect. 

natural light modern design

An example of a well daylit designed interior can be seen in the photograph above. Daylight has various access points at different points thus the light can be balanced and would reach the entire space also the balanced light would be at a low risk to cause glare to the occupant. Diffusers are used at certain access points creating interesting shadow effects and an overall calming balanced atmosphere is achieved along with making the spatial space look more open.   

The green design that is at play not only does it light an interior in a natural way yet is able to create interesting shadows in a three dimensional manner, although the benefits of an eco-friendliness resource are endless the side effects of natural light can also result in disadvantages such as the thermal effect and glare which should be taken into crucial consideration when daylight design is applied.   

Reference Links; 

D. Ander 23.10.2014  Daylighting | Whole Building Design Guide. 2015 [ONLINE] Available at:<http://www.wbdg.org/resources/daylighting.php.> [Accessed 31 March 2015].

Benefits of Natural Daylight | US Sunlight 2015 [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ussunlight.com/benefits-of-natural-daylight. [Accessed 31 March 2015].

 K. Van Den Wymelenberg  19.03.2014 The Benefits of Natural Light - Architectural Lighting Magazine [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.archlighting.com/daylighting/the-benefits-of-natural-light_o.aspx#resources. [Accessed 31 March 2015].

 C. Weber 01/02.2010 Design with Daylight: Natural Lighting [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.motherearthliving.com/green-homes/design-with-daylight-natural-lighting.aspx?PageId=1. [Accessed 31 March 2015].

Daylighting

As I started my research on natural lighting in context with interior design I quickly came to realise that the term used in relation with design is Daylighting; this helped to narrow down other research in order to get a insight on how it affects the interior orientation.

Daylighting an interior is tied to utilizing natural light’s peak radiance as the main basis for the lighting strategy thus creating a visually comfortable atmosphere while considering the effects of the shadows and the temperature created by natural lighting all while keeping the use of the lighting balanced with the outdoor atmosphere. The benefits of daylighting an interior start off from the unlimited substantial resource that natural light has to offer along with the energy savings that is gained; natural lighting creates a more calming atmosphere and brings the interior to life in a natural manner while artificial lighting if not integrated strategically can result in a forced tensioned atmosphere. 

  

Integrating natural light in dwellings are usually done through the use of windows and skylights yet it is crucial to balance out the amount of natural light that one intends to bring in a space. If natural lighting is accessing the interior from only one side the intensity of the light without having another source of light to balance itself with can cast shadows, darkens the other side of the interior and cause glare to the occupant. In order to soften the intensity of the natural light diffusers such as light fabric curtains or the use of other materials in conjunction with the placement from where the source of light is accessing the space can still allow entrance of the light yet softens the sharpness and the thermal effect of the sun.

Reference Links; 

D. Ander 23.10.2014  Daylighting | Whole Building Design Guide. 2015 [ONLINE] Available at:<http://www.wbdg.org/resources/daylighting.php.> [Accessed 31 March 2015].

Benefits of Natural Daylight | US Sunlight 2015 [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ussunlight.com/benefits-of-natural-daylight. [Accessed 31 March 2015].

 K. Van Den Wymelenberg  19.03.2014 The Benefits of Natural Light - Architectural Lighting Magazine [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.archlighting.com/daylighting/the-benefits-of-natural-light_o.aspx#resources. [Accessed 31 March 2015].

 C. Weber 01/02.2010 Design with Daylight: Natural Lighting [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.motherearthliving.com/green-homes/design-with-daylight-natural-lighting.aspx?PageId=1. [Accessed 31 March 2015].

Critical Studies

My academic period spent at MCAST Arts and Design Institute is coming to a crucial point as next year I plan to graduate with a degree in Interior Design, to do so one has to be fully prepared of the challenges that lie ahead. A topic which I consider to be useful and of importance to my future regarding the area I chosen to work in; is Designing with Lighting.

 I find lighting to be a vital aspect to interiors and how one is able to manipulate lighting may it be natural or artificial can have quite an important impact to any interior; this is why if one knows the fundamental elements on how to use natural lighting and artificial when applied strategically can result in well-designed interiors.  The topic I chose to investigate further through the research and works of others is natural lighting and how it effects the interior orientation. I chose to focus on natural lighting rather than artificial due to its sustainability and green design.

 Through my critical analysis of this topic I hope to gain an insight of how other designers and architects made use of natural lighting in their design and the impact it had on the interior. To do so I shall first research about natural lighting in general and its historical context regarding interior and try to pinpoint when civilization became conscious of its benefits, the takeover of artificial lighting and the renewal interest in natural lighting and case studies in relation with my topic.