Architectural philosopher Louis Kahn once said: "Architecture is the servant of light", Natural light has been a fundamental element in architecture for centuries. 

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in harnessing the power of sunlight in building design, particularly in Asia. As Asian cities continue to grow and densify, architects are finding innovative ways to incorporate natural light into their designs, creating spaces that are visually appealing, energy-efficient, and conducive to human well-being.

Winner of 2024 AADA - VI ARI (Proud Real Estate Public Company Limited)

Benefits of Natural Light

Natural light, a fundamental element in architecture and design, offers benefits beyond aesthetics. Exposure to natural light helps regulate our internal body clocks, ensuring we sleep better and feel more energized during the day. 

Moreover, natural light has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and alertness. Studies have found that exposure to natural light can enhance academic performance, particularly in children and adolescents. Finally, by maximizing natural light, buildings can significantly reduce their reliance on artificial lighting, leading to substantial energy savings. This reduces energy costs and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Winner of 2024 AADA - Stacking house (Temple of Light Design Studio)

Modern Asian Architecture and Natural Light

In contemporary Asian architecture, the use of natural light is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Architects are employing a variety of techniques to maximize daylighting, including:

1. Skylights and atriums 

These architectural elements bring natural light deep into the interior of buildings, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. Skylights can be designed to provide both direct and indirect light, allowing for various lighting effects. Atriums, on the other hand, are larger, multi-story spaces that can be used to create dramatic and visually striking interiors.

Winner of 2024 AADA - project Library in the Earth (Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP)

2. Light Shelves

Light shelves are horizontal surfaces that strategically reflect daylight deep into interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Light shelves are typically located near windows or skylights. They are designed to capture and redirect sunlight, reflecting it towards the interior of the space. This reflected light can illuminate areas that might otherwise be in shadow, such as deep recesses or corners. Therefore, they can be integrated into the building's design or added as a retrofit, making them a versatile and cost-effective solution for improving natural lighting in various architectural settings.

3. Transparent insulation

Transparent insulation is a revolutionary material that combines the benefits of traditional insulation with the ability to transmit visible light. By allowing visible light to pass through while providing thermal insulation, transparent insulation can help reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and create a more sustainable and pleasant indoor environment. While the cost of transparent insulation may be higher than traditional insulation, its benefits in terms of energy savings and improved comfort can outweigh the initial investment. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and cost-effective transparent insulation solutions in the future.

Winner of 2024 AADA - project Stacking House (Temple of Light Design Studio)

4. Dynamic facades

Dynamic facades are a cutting-edge architectural innovation that can significantly improve the performance and sustainability of buildings. These facades optimize daylighting, reduce glare, and enhance energy efficiency by incorporating movable elements that adjust to changing sunlight conditions. They can be designed with various features such as louvers, shading devices, or self-shading materials. 

Conclusion

The use of natural light is a fundamental aspect of modern Asian architecture. By incorporating sustainable design principles and innovative technologies, architects are creating buildings that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible. As cities continue to grow and evolve, the demand for buildings that connect people with the natural world will only increase.