The Impact From Light Utilization In Sacred Architectural Spaces

It is quite perspicuous that light is most often used to compose solids and voids in architecture.Since the beginning of architectural history light and space have interacted.This interaction is a reflection of the dynamics of design shaped by geographical conditions,social structure,beliefs,religion,economics and even politics.Light is also used to create psychological and physiological effects in architecture.In almost all the cultures throughout history,light was also used to symbolize the presence of God in sacred architecture.This paper presents a method that can overcome the limitations of purely constraining towards classical approaches of sufficient daylighting in sacred architecture.The first section provides general information on different religious & sacred buildings and existing literature(Chapter 1).This provision helps readers analyze the design philosophy that led to the creation of the edifice and learn about the perception and understanding of different scholars regarding the significance of natural light in sacred buildings.In Chapter 2,the methodologies pertaining to the research that was undertaken is highlighted.Then comes chapter 3 and 4,were the buildings(case studies)are analyzed architecturally.These two chapters present digital imaging analysis and results,which provides numeric data on light behavior by using quantitative luminous measurement techniques in sacred buildings.Digital tool were utilized to measure the amount of daylight under the ‘dome’ versus ‘dome less’ case studies in this study.The 2 case studies clearly highlight the dialectic tension that exist between two separate paths when it comes to decision making processes on how should sacred spaces of the contemporary world be.One case study argues of a necessary retaining of some of the most fundamental classic components,while some argue that vernacularism and contextual adaptation can still work out.Even in answering the argument of daylighting within sacred spaces,a yet similar and very common dialectic is still encountered.It will ultimately be seen that most of the prevalent traditional classical elements – the dome in the case of the 2 selected case studies – is used more as a result of the influence of historical influence rather than necessarily as a sacred element following values of certain religious principles.Furthermore,the requirements of current technology would have proven advantageous in creating mosque spaces that don’t necessarily need such costly elements from the classic,yet still maintain the fundamental and essential principles(like significant daylighting)from within.