Light in sacred architecture : a study of the perception of light in a sacred place

Abstract

In this study, the phenomenon of natural light in sacred places is evaluated both as an architectural element as well as through a psychological and spiritual perspective. Light, is also an agent that helps the human being to perceive things. Without light, there is no life. Since, light seems to be an intermediary medium that lights up the visual realities of human beings, it affects the innermost soul of a human being even if this occurs unconsciously. The notion of natural light in this study is taken a step further when observing the use of daylighting within sacred places. The beauty of light in sacred architecture takes human beings on a journey to discover what could possibly lie beyond what they see. Humans are capable of presenting this idea by the formation of mental images gathered through life experiences and memories. The dynamic effect of natural light is thus explained through exam riles from the past and contemporary architecture.