Rethink the Power of Daylight: Redefining Horizontal Spaces with Vertical Light

Let the Children Play. Image Courtesy of VELUX

Architecture goes beyond its fundamental function of defining spaces and providing protection; it shapes the user experience, influencing sensations of comfort, spaciousness, and well-being. Among the many elements that make up a building, openings play a crucial role in connecting the interior and exterior, balancing privacy with transparency, and allowing the entry of natural light and ventilation. In particular, natural light transforms environments, defines atmospheres, and enhances architectural details, making spaces more dynamic and inviting.

Windows, once simple openings in walls, have evolved through advancements in materials and technology, maximizing efficiency and expanding their role in architectural design. If Gothic architecture showcased marvelous glazing through towering stained glass windows, modern architecture shifted toward horizontal forms and fully glazed facades, transforming how daylight is integrated into spaces. However, relying solely on facade glazing presents a limitation—natural light is often confined to the building's perimeter, leaving central areas in shadow. Overhead openings, such as skylights and flat roof windows, overcome this challenge by channeling daylight deep into interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

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