Exploring

Daylight In Two Different Latitudes

Sweden and Uruguay: A comparative study of daylight as s formgiver and its impact on visual comfort

Author: Carolina Borgia

Tutors: Rodrigo E. Muro Avendano, Luke Lowings

Abstract:

Daylight is an essential element for both, the built and natural environment. A careful design that acknowledges daylight performance can improve energy efficiency and environment protection, thus making construction more sustainable.

However, allocating time to deeply evaluate all the aspects in a project might be challenging. In this framework, the aim is to analyze, through a specific designed case study, the different available options when it comes to manage daylight as a building material.

Climate adaptation as a base for an architectural projects is essential to achieve a regenerative evolution of the built environment. It should be holistically considered from the very outset, to conclude in a livable, sustainable and quality-designed space.

The aim of the present research was to explore daylight in order to use it as input at the very early stage of an architectural project. Analyzing two different latitudes, Uruguay and Sweden, provided with a wide range of information, evidencing that assessing daylight is as complex as crucial.

Hence, the combination of academic methods with practical design is key to design the built environment. By using an experimental cabin as case study, and with the support of the program Climate Studio, daylight is analysed in these two different locations.

Keywords: Daylight, Climate adaptation, Regenarative, Sustainable.

The Power Of Daylight

Daylight influencing emotions and spatial perception of indoor space

Author: Antrea Ioannou

Tutor: Martina Frattura

Abstract:

The present thesis derived from a personal need to explore how daylight can shape the emotional state of users and consequently their indoor experience. As a lighting design student I appreciated even more the power that light and shadows have upon indoor experiences. To investigate this further, an experiment with five panels was conducted. Moreover, since daylight conditions vary according to the latitude, the spaces were simulated in Sweden and Cyprus and subjects from both locations participated in the experiment.

The results suggest that daylight distributed in horizontal, vertical and squared shapes evokes mainly pleasant or activating emotions. Circular shapes provoke pleasant feelings and the organic: unpleasant and deactivating. The outcome indicates that emotions, perception of light levels, light distribution and shadows can alter considerably among individuals from different latitudes. Participants from northern latitude perceived the space darker than those from southeastern latitude. Additionally, when the subjects felt happy in a space they perceived it brighter than other spaces. The analysis suggests a link between memories, familiarity and emotions. Lastly, the importance of considering preferences of different groups of users is emphasized.

Keywords: Daylight, Shadows, Spatial Perception, Emotions, Memories.

AI, drones and culture

Ishita Madan

Anuhas Emmanuel Jayakody