Applying Daylight Principles from Vernacular Iranian Architecture in Modern Building Design

Abstract

Almost in every religion the light is the symbol of divine wisdom and the element of all good. And, the movement form darkness toward light is regarded as a main objective 1. According to various verses of Quran, if we accept that light has always been considered a representation of god and his presence, use of it in the artistic fields which are derived from religious thoughts would not be unexpected. As Shabestary 2 says in his Golshan Raz3: Behold the world as the light of truth Where truth is so manifest that seems hidden Light and color are the elements that has been playing important role in traditional architecture of Iran. Application of shadow and light with each other has been from the works that gives the mystical sense to the space. The presence of light in the works of Iran's architecture is so momentous especially after the advent of Islam. This essential element has been considered as a practical factor which is the reason for lighting and daily activities of life and also as an important role in beliefs.4 In Iran’s vernacular architecture natural daylighting was the sole source of illumination which served not only as such but also attained the goal of providing visual comfort and aesthetics of the space. The study of light in accordance with geometry, structure and function had always been considered a crucial stage of design and construction of every building. Although modern architecture’s reliance and dependability on electrical lighting has opened gates to immense progress by allowing us to extend our daily activities into the night, it’s negatively impacts are undeniable. From harmful effects on human health and deficiencies by reducing hours spent in natural daylight to high consumption of non-renewable energy sources, we are daily affected by lack of proper daylight. Taking that into consideration Iranian vernacular architecture had an everlasting bond with nature and has remained faithfully responsive to occupants’ needs and cultural values. The investigation process and conclusion of this research implies that most of these applications are still capable of fulfilling daylight standards of a space and therefore are pertinent to today’s architecture. 1. Philips D, Day-lighting natural light in architecture. Elsevier publication, London, 2004. 2. Mahmoud Shabestari. Mahmoūd Shabestarī (1288–1340) (Persian: محمود شبستری‎) is one of the most celebrated Persian Sufi poets of the 14th century. 3. Gulshan-i Raz or Gulshan-e Raz is a collection of poems written in the 14th century by Sheikh Mahmoud Shabestari 4. Theosophical Principles of Light and Colour in the Architecture and Decorations of Soltaniyeh Dome by Robab Faghfoori, Hasan Bolkhari Ghehi, Ghazal Soltani