Natural light and genius loci : their role in the architectural experience

Abstract

This dissertation aims to study the role played by daylight and the genius in the architectural experience. Natural light is particular to places; it cannot be transferred or assimilated. Thus it has the capacity to unearth the spirit of place. Daylight has the power of moving the human spirit; it elicits feelings, emotions and senses transforming architecture into an art form. This research was accomplished by reading published books and journal articles, conducting interviews with architects based in Malta and through a case study of the New Parliament Building by Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Valletta, where time-lapse studies were the main methods of research. As a result of the above procedures it was found that the roles played by natural light and the genius loci in the architectural experience are two-fold: tangible and intangible. Tangibly, both elements work together to express the geography and climatic aspects of place. On the other hand, intangibly speaking, both aspects work in conjunction to articulate the cultural aspects of place. The importance of time and its effect of daylight and place reinforces their role in experiencing architecture. It was concluded that daylight and natural light play a fundamental role in the architectural experience. Both aspects work together to expose the measurable and immeasurable in architecture, touching our emotions and senses, thus humanizing architecture.