Shaping light and air [Power]

The manipulation of light has always been fundamental to the architect. Past emphasis for the lighting engineer has been on artificial lighting, but nowadays both lighting engineers and architects are grappling with natural light as a passive solar energy saver. The challenge is to capture and use daylight, without glare and without subjecting interiors of buildings to solar overheating. The last condition does not mean that we should not also admit sunlight, especially when thermally advantageous, as a useful passive solar gain. Provided glare does not interfere with particular activities, dynamic patterns of sunlight and shade with buildings can be emotionally very satisfying - at least to the same extent as any artificially introduced lighting drama.