Natural light as an architectural material: the invisible art that shapes space
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/LatArXiv.preprints.448Keywords:
Natural light , Architectural design, Interior space, Environmental comfort, Perception, Well-beingAbstract
Light, as a natural element, not only mediates our experience of the environment but is also central to architectural design, technical performance, energy use, and the comfort and well-being of building occupants. This article explores the use of light in architectural design. It examines how light has been expressed throughout the history of design and how it can be used as a narrative and emotional vehicle, while also delving into the affective impact of natural light within a space—which, altogether, can alter the physical and perceptual record of an interior. By analyzing seminal works renowned for their use of natural light, this paper argues that natural light is not merely the revelation of architecture.
References
ArchDaily. (2022, 24 de enero). La luz como elemento de diseño: Formas impresionantes de jugar con la luz natural. https://www.archdaily.com/975929/light-as-a-design-statement-inspiring-ways-to-manage-naturallighting
Durable Vintage. (2024). El patrón de luz diurna en la arquitectura. https://durablevintage.com/principles-of-daylighting-in-architecture
GDI Engineering. (2023, 15 de septiembre). Aprovechar los recursos de la luz natural: Diseñando para los días más cortos. https://gdiengdesign.com/harnessing-the-power-of-natural-light-optimizing-building-design-for-shorter-days/
McFadden, C. (2025, 12 de marzo). Iluminación natural: Por qué la luz natural es la mayor herramienta de la arquitectura moderna. Interesting Engineering. https://interestingengineering.com/lists/daylighting-natural-light-modern-architecture
By J. S. Smith / 10 de febrero de 2025. Los 7 principales desafíos de la iluminación en la visualización arquitectónica que debes superar. J Scott Smith Visual Designs, Inc. https://jscottsmith.com/top-7-challenges-in-lighting-in-architectural-visualization-you-need-to-overcome/
THE INTERIOR DESIGN INSTITUTE. (2025). Estudiando soluciones de diseño para aumentar la luz natural en el edificio. https://www.theinteriordesigninstitute.com/ch/it/blog-exploring-design-strategies-to-bring-more-natural-light-indoors
Youssef, W. F. (2018, 20 de enero). Los efectos de la arquitectura se deben a la luz natural. Medium. https://medium.com/@wagihfyoussef/natural-light-is-the-cause-of-the-effects-of-architecture-73b1f6c8909
Downloads
Downloads
Posted
Categories
Data Availability Statement
The authors have made the data used in this research publicly available. Readers can access it through this platform.
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Paola Rodríguez Cardona (Autor/a)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This preprint contains the reported license and associated copyright. Once published in an associated journal or other publisher, the published version assumes the publisher's terms and conditions.
