Natural light as a determinant of the identity of architectural space

Abstract

In this study, the effect of natural light on the architectural space quality was examined. Contribution of natural light in three different dimensions as the readability of the space, the effect of the space, and its aesthetical evaluation was taken into consideration and discussed in the given order. The study involves a review of the related architecture literature, various books, articles, essays, and opinions. The major objective of this research is to explain the place of natural light in architectural design and its different aspects through its functional and semantic dimensions in the space. In this respect, contributions of natural light to the identity of the space were examined based on three renowned Turkish architects and their significant works. The paper focuses on the contribution of natural light to the space, emphasizing its qualitative aspects; whereas its physical and measurable aspects are beyond the scope of the paper. The study demonstrates the importance of experiencing the space in terms of understanding the aspect of light that determines the space identity. It also stresses that buildings designed considering the use of natural light could turn out to be more original.

Keywords:

• natural light
• architectural space
• semantic dimensions of light
• space identity
• architectural design

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ilker Fatih Ozorhon

ILKER FATIH OZORHON

Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Ozyegin University, Istanbul, Turkey.

E-mail: [email protected]

Dr İlker Fatih Özorhon graduated from Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Architecture in 2000. He got the master degree from Istanbul Technical University by his thesis on “Natural Light with Its Aspect Determining the Identity of Architectural Space” at Architectural Design Program in 2002. He completed his PhD studies at Istanbul Technical University, Architectural Design Program by his thesis named “The Issue of Originality in Architecture: Turkish Modernity in the period of 1950–1960” in 2008. He has studies published in several journals, presented in symposiums and congress and has awards in architectural design competitions. He is working as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Design in Ozyegin University. His recent research areas include Architectural Design, Design Teaching, Modernity and Modern Architecture, Modern Turkish Architecture.

Turkan Ulusu Uraz

TURKAN ULUSU URAZ

Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus.

Dr Türkan Ulusu Uraz graduated from Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture. She got the master degree from Catholic University of Leuven. She completed her PhD studies at Karadeniz Technical University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences. She is working as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture in Eastern Mediterranean University. Her research areas include Theory and Methods of Architectural Design, Philosophy of Architecture and Design, Psychology of Design, Design Teaching, New Design in an Old Setting, Traditional Dwellings, Early Modern Architecture-Modern House, Theories of Architecture and Design, Modernity and Modern Architecture and Housing and Gender Issues.