Evaluation of the Effect of Natural and Artificial Light on the Establishment of Space Perception on Students

Abstract

As limiting physical elements, like roof, walls, floors, distinguish interior space from external environment, they constitute the geometric definition of space. However, the presence of spaces that can be detected even in the absence of partial or no physical space limiters indicates that we need more than this geometric definition. The element of light that gives space the third dimension is one of the sensory factors and it is epideictic for other features such as color and texture. Although usage of artificial lighting and daylighting is a vital element in the perception of space, it is a domain that is handled after geometric and functional organizations are designed in the architectural process. Hence, lighting design is considered as an area of expertise and given importance in the last years of architecture and interior architecture education. In fact, it is possible to integrate light into the design process from the beginning of design education like other physical elements of space. In this study, the question of how lighting knowledge can be integrated into the architectural design process as an element of space is discussed; and effects of lighting design on the studio phase, is conveyed by overlooking the students' projects. In the first half of the course, the students were asked to experience the changes on luminance level created by natural light via changing the position, location and dimension of surface voids belong to shell of fixed volume that was given to student. The second half of the course focused on artificial lighting, and the students were asked to create an integrated lighting design for their term project in the design studio, in parallel with their concept and organizational schemata. At the end of the term, it was observed that lighting design has become a part of the whole design process from the material to the organization. This study aims to highlight the importance of lighting design courses in undergrad curriculum and emphasize the contribution of lighting design knowledge in students' spatial perception by sharing the experimental lighting education process integrated to the design studio course in ABU, 2017-2018 spring semester.

Keywords: Lighting Design, Architecture and Interior Architecture Education.