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Review :Daylight in architecture, Importance of colour

Light is of decisive importance in experiencing architecture. Light helps to communicate shape and texture to the spectator. 

Moving a window from the middle of the wall to a corner will utterly transform the entire character of a room.

Quantity of light is not nearly as important as its quality. Good light doesnt necessarily mean more light.

Three types of light possibilities in architecture: the bright open hall , the room with a skylight, and the room with light entering from the side.  

The room with a skylight  is the room closed in all sides and opened  at the top.It offers a variety of light effects in different parts of the room while the latter  can be planned so that the light is equally good in all parts of the room. Allow no direct sun penetration that can fall on viewers eyes. 

One of the most famous and dramatic uses of skylight in architecture is the famous Pantheon in Rome . Pantheon uses the dramatic effect of light that comes inside from the oculus above. The ray of light that comes from the ceiling moves over the dome and the rotunda along with the movement of sun throughout the day. 

The room with the light entering from the side Typical example is the Dutch house .They were deep ,tall,narrow gabled buildings. The lower floors were used for dwelling purposes and the upper  for storage of foods. The light had to come from the windows in the front. The front consist of a ratherbthin brick wall above and of wood and glass below.


The lower and larger parts of windows were with shutters only


upper part fixed with leaded panes. 

Sometimes the upper part was also equipped with shutters,  in which case they opened into the room .

This produced a four-framed window with a shutter to each frame that could be opened or closed independently as that the light could be regulated at will.

Colour in architecture

In architecture colour is used to emphasize the character of the building , to accentuate its form and material , and to elucidate its divisions. 

From the moment that the colour of the building materials was controlled by man instead of produced by nature a new step in architecturaldesign has been achieved 

Importance of colour  : 


Colour influences our mood 


Affects how we view certain things 


The ancient Egyptians,Chinese and Indians believed in chrome therapy 


Today it influences the market and plays an important role in marketing items and how we view certain web sites.

When a painting loses its colour it no longer exists as a work of art but this is not true in architecture,  for the art of building is first and foremost concentrated with form; with diving and articulating space.

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