6. Embrace diurnal and seasonal change
Artificial light is often static and uniform, unlike natural light, which constantly changes with time and weather.
Natural light varies throughout the day and across seasons, influenced by factors like the weather. Historically, we have designed our buildings around these cycles of natural light and only then added artificial light to meet our needs after dark.
The dynamic nature of natural light is important because it supports our circadian rhythms, which regulate biological processes like sleep and hormone production. Psychologically, we respond positively to changes in light—whether it's the shifting shadows on a sunny day, the soft colours of dawn, or the vibrant hues of sunset. By contrast, the uniform and flat light of overcast days can often feel dull or even depressing.......
To read more please email oculus@smlightarchitecture.com to receive a full copy of our 20/20 Vision.
“Architects in planning rooms today have forgotten their faith in natural light. Depending on the touch of a finger to a switch, they are satisfied with static light and forget the endlessly changing qualities of natural light, in which a room is a different room every second of the day.”
Louis Kahn