Architecture and light are two concepts that have been interdependent since time immemorial. This relationship is nothing new and the new generation of architects and designers cannot ignore it.
Since artificial light sources such as electricity were not available, in ancient architecture, architecture and light were interwoven with the preference for natural light availability in spaces covered by walls and shutters. Thus Architecture is a broad subject from 'four walls and a roof'. The tradition of the time was to convert the low-lying buildings of the courtyard to suit the convenience and to increase the flow of light into the building to provide abundant light to the residents. In buildings with a good flood of light we often do not notice it, yet we are attracted to it by the light itself, like to be there.
In Hindu and Islamic architecture, the use of the light element was often regulated in some of the worship/prayer areas of their colonized subcontinent. By building layers in organized areas, the noise, dust and scorching sun of the outside world were prevented from entering directly. For example: Keeping in view the crowds on special days, sufficient space was kept between the main place of worship and the assembly hall etc. built for the convenience of the people coming. Even in the sanctum-sanctorums, the sunlight did not enter, and the light from the oil / candle lamps lit there gave more luster to the divine aura of the idols. Unique uses of design and lighting were also found in Egypt, where a similar system was used to display larger-than-human, colossal idols in their temples.
Unlike in Greek and Roman architecture, protective light was used to complement devotion and meditation. Built in the Gothic style, the light shines on the stained glass windows, creating an illusion of superhuman strength for those inside. While eccentric buildings preferred bright light, Revival buildings tried to let light flow like man-made light.
In the history of modern architecture, French-Swiss modernist architect Le Corbusier [who designed the city of Chandigarh] says: "Architecture is the game of juxtaposing massive objects under light, assembling them in an informed—proper and grandiose way." Most of the buildings he built have holes and openings, meticulously designed to bring in and control natural light. Around the world, different regionalities or climates are responsible for how people perceive sunlight, interact with light, and control light.
Until recently, especially in mainland India, many architects failed to make designs that failed to take into account the available natural light. Sunlight is a tool for creating habitable spaces. Time must call; Whether it is the contribution of an architecture strained by the multifaceted pressures of modernity or a way of forgetting culture and atmosphere, today's professional architects are not prioritizing natural light as a creative element in many of their projects! Today's buildings are running a nature-destroying scourge, both inside and out, from the unimportant client engagement of natural light, the yielding to market pressures, and the overuse of artificial materials that are manufactured by capitalists and are so abundantly available that their use is inevitable. As a result of lack of clear thinking, due to construction plans that change whenever needed, due to the reckless use of building materials, the consumption of [electrical] energy is extremely high.
Let's take a 'mall' type building for example. In such buildings, which are walled up on all sides except the front door, some window-pane is placed everywhere in foreign imitation; Because most buildings face west and south, the sunlight that streams through is intense—the interior temperature is high, requiring higher levels of air conditioning than would normally be required. Fully walled sections mean reliance on more electricity and more air conditioners, while the overall system means reliance on more electricity preparation and supply work for this purpose. Air conditioners also recycle the same conditioned air again and again, reducing the volume of respirable air. When the country cannot meet such a huge demand for electricity, malls overcome their shortage by using petroleum products to generate electricity on-site. Apart from the carbon release here, the cost is also high. The rents are also very high and all of them are indirectly passed on to the incoming customers. Looking at all this, it feels like malls are shooting themselves in the foot. In malls that are surrounded by walls more than necessary, it is advisable to use artificial lights; When customers come in, the outside world and natural light are cut off, making it seem like customers are shopping in the mall in no time at all!
Instead, if the building and the materials used therein are deployed in a mature manner, controlled natural light can be utilized throughout the building without any adverse effects. By dividing the spaces, by making the walls in such a way as to facilitate the cross wind, the temperature inside the building can be naturally controlled to a tolerable level. This will help in reducing the electricity charges of the malls. Moreover, as the use of many electronic devices will be reduced, more places can be rented out.
The choice of such clever schemes is always available to the architects and they can use such tricks even in the construction of houses. Rising land prices and construction costs have led city dwellers to buy smaller plots. When an architect sees such spaces, he feels sorry for his client and the neighborhood; An architect regrets when there is not enough surrounding space to provide air and light. In such a situation, a good option is to look towards the future; Making a plan to get a piece of paper into the house!
Wherever we have implemented the light from the sky in our projects in the past, when we meet the clients who live there, they do not feel the need to use artificial light till late at night, because of this the house looks better and the cost of electricity consumption is also reduced. A client's story is also heart-warming: One night when their child was crying, there was no electricity in the house or in the area. Get up, go to the kitchen, give the baby milk and drink it - fall asleep, and the husband and wife sit talking comfortably until dawn - in the sunlight that comes through the transparent roof!
Before concluding, without making any comparison, let me humbly remember the world-renowned architectural designer of America, Louis Isadore Khan. [He has designed many buildings in many parts of the world, in our country and especially in Ahmedabad.] His intuitive ability and attitude towards the use of daylight is evident throughout his designs; They are unique and unprecedented in the history of modern architectural designs. He says: "Before the room was built, the Sun never knew it could be so beautiful. A man's creation—a room, it's a wonder, it's a miracle, think about it—a man can come and take a portion of the Sun!"
Architect Prashant Nandiprasad can be contacted at: +91 9886124035 / Email: wip.code@gmail.com