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D A Y L I G H T I N A R C H I T E C T U R E : 
A n Examinat ion o f the Correlat ion w i th Special reference to 
Qual i ty o f Space 
The Dissertation presented to the Faculty o f Architecture 
o f the Universi ty o f Moratuwa 
for the Final Examinat ion in M.Sc (Architecture) 
6©)6QQ. . 
Nilantha Sanjaya Maddegamaarachchi 
Department o f Architecture 
University o f Moratuwa 
Sri Lanka 
June 1997 
T IB o b 
72- 'V' 
71588 
T H 
DAY LIGHT IN ARCHITECTURE: 
An Examination of the Correlation with Special reference 
to Quality of Space 
CONTENTS 
ABSTRACT 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
INTRODUCTION 
0.1 The study 
0.2 Importance of the study 
0.3 Intention of study 
0.4 Scope and limitations 
0.5 Methodology 
CHAPTER ONE - ARCHITECTURAL SPACE 
1.1 Elements of spatial definition 
1.1.1 Explanation to space 
1.1.2 Significance of space 
1.1.3 Architectural space 
1.1.3.1 Qualities of spatial enclosure 
1.1.3.1 Size of spatial enclosure 
1.2 Attributes of space 
1.2.1 Centre 
1.2.2 Enclosure 
1.2.3 Depth 
1.2.4 Density 
1.2.5 Continuity 
CHAPTER TWO - DAY LIGHT 
2.1 Day light 
2.1.1 Need for light 
2.1.2 Introduction to natural lighting 
2.1.2.1 Natural lighting data relevant to Sri Lanka 
2.1.2.2 Properties of Day Light 
2.1.3 Quantity and Quality 
2.1.4 Shadow 
2.1.5 Light and Dark 
2.2 Art and Nature 
2.2.1 Art and light 
2.2.2 Architecture as an art 
2.2.3 Architecture and light 
2.3 Day Light on Built fonn 
2.3.1 Built form which does not consist an interior 
2.3.2 Built form with continuous free flow 
2.3.3 Built form with restricted interior exterior relationship 
2.4 Different ways Day Light impacts on Built form A°-
with restricted interior exterior relationship' 
2.4.1 Light space 4V 
2.4.2 Light as an object 42 
2.4.3 Light from scries of objects 4 3 • 
2.4.4 Light from surfaces 4 4 . 
CHAPTER THREE - THE CORRELATION 4 5 
DIFFERENT WAYS DAY LIGHT IMPACTS ON SPACE 
AND SPATIAL ATTRIBUTES 
3.1 Light and space 4 5 
3.2 Role of light on spatial attributes 4 6 
3.2.1 Centre - 4 6 
3.2.2 Enclosure 49. 
3.2.3 Depth si . 
3.2.4 Density 52 . 
3.2.5 Continuity 5 5 
3.3 Method of Examination 6 0 
3.3.1 Light space and spatial attributes 6 1 
3.3.2 Light as object and spatial attributes 6 6 
3.3.3 Light from series of object and spatial attributes 7 0 
3.3.4 Light from surfaces and spatial attributes 7 4 
CONCLUSION 
NOTES AND REFERENCES 
BJBLIOGRAPHY 
79. 
81. 
83. 
ABSTRACT 
Architecture is not mere enclosure and shelter. It is neither the details nor materials and 
technology used. It is primarily a spatial experience. It is experience of space which gives 
such a quality to a particular created space. So space need to achieve, protect and enhance 
quality of it. 
Be a space is any kind, there are fundamental attributes associated with it. They are 
centre, enclosure, depth, density and continuity of a space. Normally we used to measure 
these spatial attributes in terms of physical components. In other words they are tangible 
things. 
But, intangible things like light, smell and sound also demarcate or enhance the spatial 
attributes. 
Of these intangible things Day Light is the most available thing. Sun is willing to give 
any amount of Day Light if our structures are ready to capture them. This study in this context, 
examined a correlation of different ways Day Light impacts on space and spatial attributes. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
Many people helped me to make this dissertation a reality. It is to them that I 
humbly pay tribute 
To Prof. Nimal de Silva Head, Dept. of Architecture for the encouragement and 
intial guidance. 
Archit. Vidura Sri Nammuni, our group tutor, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of 
Architecture, for the inspiring discussions, advice and comments, the constant 
encouragement from the onset till the end and above all for believing in its worth. 
Archit. Chirs de Seram, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Architecture and Dr. L.S.R Perera 
Lectures, Dept. of Architecture for valuable advice given at the preliminary stages. 
Archit. Kapila Dharmasena, Lecturer, Dept. of Architecture, for interest taken and 
valuable comments made. 
Madhange Alwis to whom I am deeply indebted not only for all the encouragement, 
and assistance but for letting me access to some of her valuable books. 
Mr. Alahakon and Mr. S. Vitana for spending their valuable time uncoplainingly 
helping with the photographic work. 
Kumari and Nirosha for the tolerance throughout typing and computer setting. 
My dear friends Keerithi and Nalaka for all the assistance offered throughout the 
course of this study. 
My loving parents and sisters for sharing my tears and joy, unceasing care, blessing 
and most of all accepting me as I am. 
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