Architectural Context

Abstract

The previous chapter began with a critical look at existing daylight performance metrics and strategies for evaluating brightness and contrast within architectural space. We then presented the need for more visually dynamic and spatially dependent methods for quantifying contrast and temporal variability in order to develop a more holistic set of daylight performance criteria. We will now turn to existing architectural examples to develop a more effective typological vocabulary about the role of contrast and temporal variability. A global survey of existing architecture was conducted to establish a range of daylight design strategies; these varied from direct and variable to diffuse and uniform interior lighting schemes. This survey led us to the development of a linear classification strategy for the perceived degree of contrast and hypothesized temporal variability present within each space. These categories were then distilled down into a series of case study spaces and digitally modeled to create a set of annual renderings.