Usage and Importance of Natural Light in Spatial Design

Abstract

Today, most people spend their time indoors (i.e. adults at work places, students at schools). In order to max the productivity of the people in these areas, they need to be perfectly designed for the places where they manufacture. There are many factors that
affect success. One of them is the correct use of natural light in the area. For centuries, natural light has been an indispensable element of spatial design. The impact of natural light on human health, psychology and productivity is undeniable. In this study, the
importance of natural light for people is taken into consideration by taking into consideration the literature in spatial design where the light should be taken into place, the harmony of natural light with the spatial colors, the relation between natural light and
location and the importance of natural light for people.

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Usage and Importance of Natural Light in Spatial Design 429
Usage and Importance of Natural Light in Spatial Design
Latif Gürkan Kaya1, Hüseyin Samet Aşıkkutlu1,
Cengiz Yücedağ*1, Burak Gümüş2
1. INTRODUCTION
In the 21st century, the most important environmental problems are the depletion of major natural
resources such as energy and drinking water, the continuation of population growth, the damage of forest
lands, the increase of desertication, the high levels of air, soil and water pollutions. For these reasons, eco-
logical balances and ecosystems are deteriorating, the energy from nature is exhausted and people’s living
area are damaged (Akmalı Özçiçi, 2010). In the context of decreasing natural energy resources, it is essen-
tial to focus on reducing the consumption of energy in buildings.
Currently, there is not equivalent lighting element that keeps all the properties of natural lighting on its
own (Atamaz Daut and Ergün, 2017). Daylight is the full-spectrum of light that is most suitable to the hu-
man visual response (İnan, 2013) and is considered as the best source of light for good color rendering (Li et
al., 1999). Daylighting is a kind of passive strategy to improve energy performance and users’ visual comfort
without expensive installation and operational cost (Lim et al., 2012). It is an important factor in interior
design aecting the functional arrangement of spaces, occupant comfort (visual and thermal), structure,
and energy use in buildings. It gives people a feeling of exuberance and brightness that can be a signicant
positive eect (Li et al., 1999).
e impact of color and lighting conditions on the emotions and performance of people is gaining great
importance for urban societies (Altomonte, 2008) because people nowadays spend their time in conned
spaces. Taking back all the other architectural elements, the spatial image is structured by the power of light
and thus separated from all similar spaces. e power of meaning in these areas also aects the emotions of
users (Atamaz Daut and Ergün, 2017).
e most important need for people in the interior spaces of buildings is illumination. Nowadays,
natural lighting methods have begun to be preferred as energy eciency in newly constructed buildings.
Natural light has an important role because of its energy saving and positive eects on users because it does
not need articial illumination (Görgülü et al., 2010). Besides, intelligent daylight utilization in buildings
by using innovative daylighting systems in combination with daylight responsive control of electric lighting
positively eects among human response and cost evaluation of the lighting system and increases energy
eciency (Çetegen et al., 2004).
When daylight is designed as a basic light source in buildings, it creates dynamic spaces that support
human health and actions and reduce the energy needs of buildings. Because of these reasons as well as the
development of various design tools (i.e. scale models, mathematical formulas, computer programs), there
has been an increasing interest in natural lighting design (Kazanasmaz, 2009). Certainly, the use of natural
daylight is considered one of the main strategies for all bioclimatic, passive solar and / or high-quality envi-
ronmental design (Abdelatia et al., 2010). In the study, the usage and importance of natural light in spatial
design is elaborated by taking into consideration the literature.
2. USAGE OF NATURAL LIGHT IN SPATIAL DESIGN
Every designer should know how to use the light and use the daylight as much as possible when design-
ing the space (Atamaz Daut and Ergün, 2017). In a space design, taking natural light as a structural element
*: Corresponding Author: yucedagc@gmail.com
1 Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Dep. of Landscape Architecture, 15030, Burdur-Turkey
2 Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Dep. of Spatial Planning and Design, 15030,
Burdur-Turkey
OP-112

430 Latif Gürkan Kaya, Hüseyin Samet Aşıkkutlu, Cengiz Yücedağ, Burak Gümüş
reveals in dierent and original results in the design (Tezel, 2007). Le Corbusier, one of the founders of
modernism, is a masterful architect who has given great importance to the use of natural light. In the villas
(i.e. Villa Savoye), they have carried natural light to interior spaces by using band windows, corner windows,
large glass surfaces and light courtyards (Atamaz Daut and Ergün, 2017). Natural lighting should be ad-
dressed from the beginning of the design and initial ideas and considered by the spatial designer in various
stages of the design from general ideas to details (Javadna, 2016). By the way, many computer programs are
capable of making detailed solar analyses of lighting, based on three-dimensional model of a given environ-
ment and building (Krasic et al., 2013).
It is important to consider how much light is used for the purpose in which the natural light is used
and the natural light is used. Increasing the clarity in the buildings with the progress in the technology al-
lows the daylight to be used in dierent eects, but its unconscious use causes a negative eect in terms of
architecture (Tezel, 2007). erefore, it is necessary to start the daylight design in the working places with
the rst sketches of the spatial design process. Considering biospheres’ factors, the spaces should be located
in the right direction according to their functions and needs. It is more correct that some decisions should
be taken in the main design process instead of the add-on solutions aerwards when considering the whole
with sustainable design strategies (Tatar, 2013).
Natural lighting strategies aim to capture and spread a maximum of natural daylight to avoid visual dis-
comfort. A clever use of natural daylight will thus help reducing the energy consumption spent on lighting
while still providing adequate illumination. ese natural lighting strategies must be designed to simulta-
neously meet the needs of the users and the requirements of the building, thus nding a balance between
the conicting needs of transmission and protection. However, determining sunlight solutions for energy
eciency, comfort and prosperity can be a very complex task (Abdelatia et al., 2010). To control the amount
and distribution of natural light entering a space and to guarantee a comfortable and healthy luminous en-
vironment, in general a good daylighting strategy should be composed of more than a simple opening in the
window or on the roof. Depending on climate, functions and requirements, customized solutions or devices
may need to be implemented (Altomonte, 2008).
e factors inuencing on daylight and natural lighting design are examined in three groups. e day,
the hour, the sky status (closure rate of the air), the sun’s position and the location of the building aecting
brightness and amount of daylight appear in the rst group. e openings (windows) necessary for the day-
light to penetrate into the building are in the second group. e building is regarded as an optical system in
which the light distributed. e dimensions of the windows, the shape and the structural properties of the
surfaces inuence this distribution (Kazanasmaz, 2009). e position, the size, the height and grade of the
windows also aect the amount of light received in the area (Tezel, 2007).
Daylight is generally taken into the building in two ways; side and top. e direction, size and location
of the light are designed according to the actions in the area and the atmosphere to be created. e light from
the top can be more advantageous than the light from the other directions because the light quality in the
space remains the same as the direction and angle of light are not changed much throughout the day. is
light is preferred especially in libraries, galleries and art workshops, since it is homogenously distributed
and does not dazzle. e light from the side windows shows variability in the space during day. e light
quality of the same place in the morning will not be the same as that at sunset. is indicates that users can
dierently perceive the space at dierent times of the day. Turkish famous architect, Mimar Sinan, having
modern architectural traces in his works has skillfully used the light coming from vertical windows in his
mosque designs (Figure 1). e light, entering the area, gives a spiritual atmosphere and directly aects the
spatial image (Atamaz Daut and Ergün, 2017). Horizontal lights are commonly used in oces, schools, and
in hospitals (Tezel, 2007).

Usage and Importance of Natural Light in Spatial Design 431
Figure 1. Vertical windows of Mosque of Selim II, Edirne, Turkey
It is important that the dimensions of the windows are adjusted to balance the energy consumption
of the buildings (Figure 2). Practical window design decisions can assist designer to provide eective and
healthy natural lighting for interiors (İnan, 2013). Furthermore, the simple modication of the window glass
and shading device can provide a signicant improvement in the quantity and quality of tropical daylight
for visual comfort. (Lim et al., 2012). Another important feature in terms of openness. If it is thought that
three viewing angles are stacked vertically, it is usually better to have a long, thin window instead of a short,
wide opening to obtain as much information as possible from the viewpoint, if the window area is limited.
Nevertheless, this design choice should be balanced by the risk of extreme thermal gain and overheating, be-
cause long windows tend to be more exposed to high-angle summer sunshine, but they have the advantage
of bringing more of the natural light to the area. On the contrary, the horizontal windows guarantee a better
view of the outside view. If the window is available, passengers will add the option to use for ventilation
(Altomonte, 2008).
Figure 2. Proper penetration of natural light to a space
Parameters such as the color and optical properties of the surfaces aect the distribution in the daylight
eld, and the third group is placed. Reections of the light hitting the surface and breakage, as well as the
coloring of the light and the surface, aect the distribution of daylight within the building. (Kazanasmaz,
2009).
Daylighting in the buildings is usually done using windows or roof skylights (Figure 3). In addition to
these methods, techniques such as light shelves, light tubes and various glass types have been developed to
provide visual comfort and energy savings. e use of these systems, which can be called modern techniques
in the use of daylight in buildings, is becoming increasingly widespread (Yener, 2007). Daylighting systems
range from simple static (louvers, light-shelves, xed overhangs, laser-cut panels, prismatic elements , etc.)
to adaptable dynamic elements (blinds, advanced glazing, holographic optical elements, etc.), and/or com-
binations of these (IEA Task 21, 2000). Good daylighting strategies start from exploring simple solutions

432 Latif Gürkan Kaya, Hüseyin Samet Aşıkkutlu, Cengiz Yücedağ, Burak Gümüş
(window size, placement, self-shading, etc.) and then integrating advanced elements if required (Altomonte,
2008). Natural lighting systems should be selected appropriately considering the geography and climate of
the region. If systems without appropriate local conditions are used, the eciency of the system will be low
(Çetegen et al., 2004).
Figure 3. Daylighting in the buildings by using windows or roof skylights
Some of the innovative daylight systems, such as light guiding panes and light pipes, can be used to
improve the daylighting performance for the interior of the deep plan oces. In general, oce-building
designs are suitable for eective daylight use, and appropriate daylight-linked lighting controls can maintain
more than 25% of total electrical lighting usage (Li and Tsang, 2008). Simple active systems with LCPs or
rotating LCPs and passive reected light pipes have great potential as daylight solutions for deeply planned
buildings as they can contribute to reducing overall energy consumption, improving workplace health and
being a spatial design element (Hansen, 2006).
Light tube, widely used in developed countries, is also ecient in sunny, cloudy and rainy days (Figure
4). Using new methods such as the light tube system and mirror directors is a step in the further use of solar
energy and at the same time saving electricity in administrative, commercial and educational buildings. In
these systems, investment costs quickly returned. In addition, using these systems in buildings can signi-
cantly protect renewable resources and thus prevent environmental degradation and global warming in ad-
dition to protecting natural resources (Javadna, 2016). Natural lighting applications used in contemporary
systems such as light pipes and light shelves will also facilitate the design of the architect. For this reason, en-
ergy planning nowadays should be done especially in the design phase of buildings in public buildings. e
design and construction phases of the building should be coordinated with experts (Görgülü et al., 2010).
Figure 4. e usage of light tube

Usage and Importance of Natural Light in Spatial Design 433
A light-shelf is a highly ecient daylighting system (Figure 5). However, the improvements in the day-
light performance of the light shelves are limited because the light shelves can give external natural light to
the interior by reecting the light rather than a specic area of the interior (Lee et al., 2017). e light shelf
system and the automatic control system, the energy saving are 25% in spring and autumn, 19.5% in winter
and 11.4% in summer (Çetegen et al., 2004). e most basic and new design element used to direct the light
is the light shelves (Kazanasmaz, 2009).
Figure 5. e usage of light-shelf
To improve daylight protection and to improve the distribution in the area, composite daylighting and
composite shadowing systems have been developed. e bottom of the vertical opening is generally de-
signed to optimize and provide visual performance (glare reduction), while they usually use the top of the
window (stacker) to provide a deeper light into the room with a reective ceiling. For example, light shelves
can be used to throw more light on the ceiling and then deeper into the spaces, delivering daylight at greater
depths without signicantly augmenting luminous levels near the window, whilst reducing glare in the areas
close to the perimeter. Simultaneously, besides improving natural light distribution, a light shelf can be dou-
bled as a sun protection device that directly blocks the sun if necessary. A successful example of integrated
daylight design is represented by the recently built City Council House 2 of Melbourne, the rst six-Green
star rated sustainable building in Australia (Altomonte, 2008).
In building design, attention should be paid to directions (north - south - east - west) depending on the
use and the usage duration of spaces. For example, when the bedroom is situated into the east, the sun can
disturb the user. e slightest structure and the glass facades allow the natural light to penetrate the space.
e reective, permeable or semipermeable wall materials change the eect of natural light in the space (Te-
zel, 2007; Figure 6). Designers should choose materials that will allow layers of transparency for borrowed
light, which will provide the necessary refraction, diusion, and absorption for both lighting and acoustical
environments (Butko, 2011).

434 Latif Gürkan Kaya, Hüseyin Samet Aşıkkutlu, Cengiz Yücedağ, Burak Gümüş
Figure 6. e use of mirrored panels of composite aluminum in a school of Salamanca, Spain
ere are laws to economically strong countries. eir common feature is that they take all the sig-
nicance of daylight and the amount of solar light that was initially guaranteed. On the other hand, they
dier in protection method: some dene time interval of direct insolation, some analyze intensity of light,
and some provide only general guidelines thus leaving ample space for noncompliance with regulations.
e fact is that the laws, regulations and laws are indispensable in all regions of the world, and especially in
developing countries. Clear and accurate denition of relevant legislation is needed so as to curb down and
prevent abuse. e denition of national laws is indispensable because it has a similar inuence exerted on
all citizens, and every individual has its own solar light (Krasic et al., 2013).
2. IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL LIGHT IN SPATIAL DESIGN
Daylight is an essential resource for life, one of the basic immutable forces of nature, a primary element
that can create meaningful and evocative architectural experiences, dictating the moods and the quality of
a space. Furthermore, a proper design and use of daylighting components (i.e. windows with spectrally-se-
lective glazing) and shading devices, together with a thorough integration of daylight with articial lighting
can reduce the energy consumption and increase comfort and satisfaction for the users (Altomonte, 2008).
Light intensity and color are two important factors that impact the user’s performance in the space.
Designers must take into account the individual dierences of the predicted users when designing the lights
and colors because some color and intensity lights have greater impact on the emotions of the participants
than others (Abbas, 2006). In addition, color and lighting have a profound inuence on consumers and con-
sumers, such as consumer satisfaction, stress level, health and well-being (Frasca-Bealieu, 1999).
e technical, architectural and energy aspects of providing optimal lighting conditions in a variety of
healthcare facilities are important for patient, sta and energy conservation and cost within the hospitals
(Mehrotra et al., 2015). In health care facilities, natural light improves patient recovery rates and allows
proper vision for the elderly in assisted living facilities. e hospital sta also benets from natural light
because of the amiable environment. Patients will be more at ease when they are in a better mood, and the
sta will be calm when patients have improved recovery (Edwards and Torcellini, 2002).
Daylighting also benets retail stores because of its even better color rendering. Customers stay in stores
longer and employees can identify items faster with better lighting. e pleasant environment created by nat-
ural light reduces stress levels for oce workers. Productivity increases with the improved health of workers,
and comes with better benets for employers. Productivity increases in industrial environments due to im-
proved color rendering and better quality of light provided by natural light. In addition, safety is increased with
better lighting conditions (Edwards and Torcellini, 2002). In contrast, poor lighting can aect workers’ health,
badly designed or poorly maintained lighting can cause stress and lead to various forms of complaint, eye dis-
comfort, vision or posture. Dry or itching eyes, migraines, aches, pains and other symptoms, oen known as
Sick Building Syndrome, can be caused by poor or inappropriate lighting installations (Phillips, 2004).
A well-considered core-daylighting solution in a kindergarten, for example, could protect young chil-
dren from too much exposure to UV during the height of summer, allowing them to access the daylight
(Barrett, 2008). Students also perform better with natural light. ey in daylight rooms achieve higher test

Usage and Importance of Natural Light in Spatial Design 435
scores than those in windowless or poorly light classrooms. Along with better test scores, student health
improves from the increase in vitamin D intake. Students have fewer dental cavities and grow more under
full-spectrum lighting (Edwards and Torcellini, 2002).
In addition to its role as an agent for vitamin D production, natural light can improve subjective mood,
attention, cognitive performance, physical activity, sleep quality, and alertness in students and workers
(Shishegar and Boubekri, 2016). Natural lighting has other benets such as reduction of microbial agents
and fungi in buildings, increased visual positions in interior design, better relationship with nature, eective
approach to eye health and reduction of people’s anxieties (Javadna, 2016).
3. CONCLUSIONS
It is obvious that natural light has an undeniable signicance for human-being. In this context, great
assignments are given to the space designers. Namely, they should consider how to use natural light in their
structures before starting a new space design. On the other hand, the public should be educated on the ben-
ets of using natural lighting in space designs. Enforcing laws and regulations ensuring maximum openings
that allow enough natural light into the interior spaces of buildings should be enacted. If taken these mea-
sures, the well-being of building residents, the performance of students and workers, and the recovery of
patients will enhance more easily and eciently.
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