THE CASE FOR DAYLIGHTING IN ARCHITECTURE

The paper discusses the reasons for using daylight in the design of architectural form and space. These reasons extend from those of a practical nature, including energy conservation, cost factors, and health and wellbeing, to those of a more intangible, aesthetic nature. Some historical precedents are offered as examples of projects in which designing to maximise daylighting was crucial in the mind of the architect. By contrast there is also discussion relating to the 'the lost art' of using natural lighting in architecture. Some of the reasons for this loss of conviction and expertise are considered. The place of national building codes and other statutory requirements is examined, as is the role of the architect and his/her relationship with other professionals involved in daylighting design in architecture.