Light in Architecture explores the role and use of light in and around buildings from the time that Stonehenge was built through to the present day, illustrating how a greater understanding of this intangible and free material will lead us to better architecture and, ultimately, improve our quality of life. Translated and carefully updated from the best-selling Spanish book, La Materia Intangible, this full colour edition explains why light is so fundamental to human perception, how its nature and use are influenced by time and place, and how it has come to be used as a tool for abstract architectural design. Drawing on centuries of thinking and over 40 real-life, international exemplars, the book explores the different ways that light can be harnessed and manipulated to achieve particular objectives, emotions or experiences, as well as how the technologies and techniques for doing so have developed over time.

The rapid development of Information Technology has also effected the layout and planning of our towns. Increasingly, physical structures are being covered with a veneer of visual-virtual light architecture which makes use of the new media to alter existing buildings and quarters, enriching and enhancing them. The townscape of tomorrow will become a huge, multilayered screen, which will draw the passers-by into an interactive electronic world. Gianni Ranaulo, born in 1957, is a practising architect, architectural critic and curator of exhibitions. He lives in France.

Reviewing the use of natural light by architects in the era of electricity, this book aims to show that natural light not only remains a potential source of order in architecture, but that natural lighting strategies impose a usefully creative discipline on design. Considering an approach to environmental context that sees light as a critical aspect of place, this book explores current attitudes to natural light by offering a series of in-depth studies of recent projects and the particular lighting issues they have addressed. It gives a more nuanced appraisal of these lighting strategies by setting them within their broader topographic, climatic and cultural contexts.

In the vast expanse of architectural design, the interplay between light and space forms the foundation of our built environment. Natural lighting, in particular, stands as a beacon of inspiration, guiding architects, designers, and builders toward sustainable, luminous spaces that resonate with the rhythms of nature and elevate the human experience. In this exploration of natural lighting in architecture, we embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that transcends the confines of tradition and convention to embrace the transformative power of light. Through the pages that follow, we delve into the art and science of daylighting, uncovering insights, inspiration, and possibilities that illuminate the path toward a brighter, more sustainable future for all. As we navigate this terrain of exploration, it is essential to acknowledge the myriad voices, perspectives, and influences that have shaped our understanding of natural lighting. From ancient civilizations that revered the sun as a symbol of life and renewal to modern pioneers who have revolutionized our approach to sustainable design, each contribution adds depth and richness to the tapestry of human knowledge and creativity. At its core, this exploration of natural lighting is a celebration—a celebration of light as a source of beauty, wonder, and connection to the world around us. It is a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and imagination—a reminder that, in the pursuit of excellence, we can create spaces that inspire, uplift, and endure for generations to come. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and collaboration that defines the architectural profession. Let us seek inspiration in the play of light and shadow, the dance of form and space, and the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the horizon of our imagination. In the chapters that follow, we will delve into the depths of natural lighting in architecture, exploring its principles, practices, and profound impact on the world we inhabit. Let us embark on this journey with open minds and open hearts, knowing that together, we can illuminate the world with beauty, wonder, and possibility.

The Wessex Institute of Technology has for years been convening conferences on sustainable architecture and planning, design in nature, heritage architecture, and environmental health. With the growing importance of lighting in the creation of better, healthier environments, the enhancement of heritage architecture, and the recovery of urban areas, as well as new developments in more sustainable lighting it became clear that a conference focusing on lighting issues would be useful. This book contains the papers to be presented at the first International Conference on Lighting in Engineering, Architecture and the Environment, discussing the latest developments in a variety of topics related to light and illumination, from its engineering aspects to its use in art and architecture and the effect of light on living systems and human health. Ranging from discussions of technical issues regarding equipment design and light measurement to human perception of light and the effect of light on human health, the book will be of interest to architectures, planners, environmental health experts, and stage designers in academia, industry and government, as well as colleagues discussing the latest developments in a variety of topics related to light and illumination, from its engineering aspects to its use in art and architecture and the effect of light on living systems and human health.

In this planning guide, the renowned lighting designer Ulrike Brandi documents all her findings on the topics of lighting design, daylight, sustainability and healthy living spaces. It is a challenge to create holistic lighting design in times of advancing mechanization, but it is the right thing to do in terms of achieving sustainability in the use of light and energy. The renowned lighting designer Ulrike Brandi explains this attitude with the words, “It’s better to make the most of natural light from the start, rather than compensating with artificial light afterwards”. The guideline Light Nature Architecture proves how essential, but also simple, it is to integrate natural light into architectural planning and thus into the design of healthy and pleasant living and working environments. This richly illustrated handbook is structured based on natural light phenomena and combines Ulrike Brandi’s wealth of experience, theoretical principles, and design methods to create a reference work and source of inspiration. Richly illustrated basic work for holistic lighting design Insight into the extensive practical experience and the individual approach of the renowned lighting designer Ulrike Brandi Source of inspiration for professional planners, architects and laypeople Available in English and German (Licht Natur Architektur, ISBN 9783035624083)

Dynamic artificial light in museums In galleries and museums, one’s perception of art, space, and atmosphere is largely determined by lighting. But which light settings should art and museum experts and exhibition designers choose, and on what basis are those choices made? Pioneering LED technologies make customized lighting scenarios possible, turning artificial light into an interactive material in museum architecture – not only in terms of design practice, but also in terms of real-time spatial experiences. Computer-controlled lighting technologies are breaking boundaries, allowing the individual to take full control of lighting design. Light Up explores the potential of dynamic artificial lighting technologies in museum architecture, offering new insights into the use of light in exhibition spaces. How LED technologies can be used to develop customized lighting scenarios Studies in the real context of art institutions as well as programming of interactive light simulations Documents the research project “White Cube Teleporter”

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States experienced a rapid expansion of church and synagogue construction as part of a larger “religious boom.” The synagogues built in that era illustrate how their designs pushed the envelope in aesthetics and construction. The design of the synagogues departed from traditional concepts, embraced modernism and innovations in building technology, and evolved beyond the formal/rational style of early 1950s modern architecture to more of an expressionistic design. The latter resulted in abstraction of architectural forms and details, and the inclusion of Jewish art in the new synagogues. The Architecture of Modern American Synagogues, 1950s–1960s introduces an architectural analysis of selected modern American synagogues and reveals how they express American Jewry’s resilience in continuing their physical and spiritual identity, while embracing modernism, American values, and landscape. In addition, the book contributes to the discourse on preserving the recent past (e.g., mid 20th century architecture). While most of the investigations on that topic deal with the “brick & mortar” challenges, this book introduces preservation issues as a function of changes in demographics, in faith rituals, in building codes, and in energy conservation. As an introduction or a reexamination, The Architecture of Modern American Synagogues, 1950s–1960s offers a fresh perspective on an important moment in American Jewish society and culture as reflected in their houses of worship and adds to the literature on modern American sacred architecture. The book may appeal to Jewish congregations, architects, preservationists, scholars, and students in fields of studies such as architectural design, sacred architecture, American modern architecture and building technology, Post WWII religious and Jewish studies, and preservation and conservation.