A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Building with the Sun. Passive Solar Daylighting Systems in Architecture
Abstract Architects have always been fascinated by light. So much that the most well-known definition of architecture, given by Le Corbusier refers to volumes and light: “Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent game of the volumes brought together under the light”. The great architect, Lous Kahn, considered that “The Sun does not realise how wonderful it is until after a room is made.” Accommodating natural light in the building is an architectural approach that leads to a passive gain as, by design, natural light is brought into dark spaces by means of architectural elements or specialized construction systems. Solar light pipes (seem to) have been the oldest systems and were used in Ancient Egypt, as means to bring light into dark places. The principle, forgotten for centuries, reappeared sometime in the mid-nineteenth century, was again forgotten and is once again reinvented today, being used in different buildings and spaces, with the same scope: to bring natural light into dark spaces. Not only the characteristics of natural light are beneficial for the living beings - animals and plants - but bringing daylight in (otherwise) dark spaces also saves energy- as we deal with passive systems - while creating new characteristics of the architectural space and image. The aim of the paper is to present a general view on the passive solar daylighting systems in architecture as well as a case study finalized in Romania.
Building with the Sun. Passive Solar Daylighting Systems in Architecture
Abstract Architects have always been fascinated by light. So much that the most well-known definition of architecture, given by Le Corbusier refers to volumes and light: “Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent game of the volumes brought together under the light”. The great architect, Lous Kahn, considered that “The Sun does not realise how wonderful it is until after a room is made.” Accommodating natural light in the building is an architectural approach that leads to a passive gain as, by design, natural light is brought into dark spaces by means of architectural elements or specialized construction systems. Solar light pipes (seem to) have been the oldest systems and were used in Ancient Egypt, as means to bring light into dark places. The principle, forgotten for centuries, reappeared sometime in the mid-nineteenth century, was again forgotten and is once again reinvented today, being used in different buildings and spaces, with the same scope: to bring natural light into dark spaces. Not only the characteristics of natural light are beneficial for the living beings - animals and plants - but bringing daylight in (otherwise) dark spaces also saves energy- as we deal with passive systems - while creating new characteristics of the architectural space and image. The aim of the paper is to present a general view on the passive solar daylighting systems in architecture as well as a case study finalized in Romania.
Building with the Sun. Passive Solar Daylighting Systems in Architecture
Dabija, Ana-Maria (author)
2017-09-03
9 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
Architecture , Energy saving , Natural light Energy , Sustainable Architecture/Green Buildings , Energy Materials , Waste Water Technology / Water Pollution Control / Water Management / Aquatic Pollution , Renewable and Green Energy , Environmental and Sustainability Education , Energy Policy, Economics and Management