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].