Since the beginning of civilization, the rising and setting of the sun have been fundamental markers of time for humans. The routine of elemental forces – sun and seasons, has acted as natural clocks and calendars. Multiple activities as we understand them today— agricultural practices, migration patterns, and occupations like fishing and animal rearing are shaped by these forces. Human evolution and understanding of these forces influenced architecture too and hence, the structures were designed to harness daylight and provide seasonal comfort. Even with the technological advancement of today, where artificial lighting and climate control dominate, it becomes important to understand why we need to incorporate our understanding of natural light and weather in designing buildings today.
The impact of Natural Light and Weather on humans
Before analyzing how natural elements influence the built environment itself—it is crucial first to understand the effects on the human body and mind. Natural light and weather collectively shape human well-being, influencing physical health, emotional stability, and daily productivity, and play an integral role in how humans interact with their surroundings. Some impacts are listed below:
- Access to essential nutrients: Sunlight allows the skin to absorb vitamin D, a nutrient that supports bone health, reduces heart disease risks, aids in weight management, and lowers cancer susceptibility. Whether indoors or outdoors, maximizing natural light in daily spaces is essential.
- Enhances Mental Well-Being: Natural light influences mental health by reducing the risk of seasonal depression and improving overall mood. It is effective against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is associated with seasonal depression. Additionally, studies and surveys have found that people who are exposed to natural light have better sleep cycles, leading to better rest and overall cognitive function.
- Minimizes Fluorescent Light Exposure Risks: Spending more time in natural light reduces reliance on artificial fluorescent lighting,(a favorite for workspaces) which can trigger stress responses, migraines, and eye strain. Long-term exposure to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) elevates these issues, making it important to have exposure to natural light regularly.
The impact of Natural Light and Weather on buildings
The first purpose of architecture is to provide shelter, protecting humans from the unpredictability and harshness of nature. From ancient caves to modern skyscrapers, buildings around us have evolved in terms of size, scale, materiality, and multiple ways to protect us from natural forces. With this evolution, it is important to understand that architecture is not merely about defense—it is about balance. Thoughtful design harnesses natural elements like light, wind, and rain to create spaces that are both functional and harmonious.
Natural light and weather conditions play a fundamental role in understanding a building’s value, longevity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
“A SELLING POINT FOR HOMES”- As the light falls on the facade and sculpts the interior of the spaces adding warmth to the weathered stone that gives a building, value and character, these elements are important influences to the design intent and material choices while construction goes on.
Beyond domestic spaces, office environments have gained significant prominence over the past century. According to a survey by Future Workspace, over 1,600 employees prioritized “access to natural light and outdoor views” as a key factor when selecting their ideal physical workspace.
Hampi- A city that Peels, not breaks
Hampi’s ruins challenge the idea that weather and sunlight destroy architecture. Instead, it reveals transformation. The once-polished steps of the King’s palace are now smoothed down by countless footsteps and rainfall. The stone chariot at the Vittala Temple stands partially in ruins, but the details remain, not as chiseled, but there, providing enough character and standing as a testament to time.
Unlike modern buildings that rely on artificial protection against weathering, Hampi’s architecture embraced its environment and used the material to withstand change. The use of locally available granite allowed it to absorb and reflect the intensity of the South Indian sun. The city was never meant to resist time—it was meant to exist within it.
The employment of the sun as an active element to create dynamism as it moves across the sky, creating shadows falling over these ruins, creates a dynamic interplay of light and darkness—changing how the architecture is perceived at different hours of the day. This movement of shadows across the crumbling mandapas and pillared corridors is a reminder that ruins are not static; they do interact with the constant elements of the world.
Similarly for the monsoons, the build changes via expansion and contraction when the stones come in contact with water. Sometimes, this leads to overgrown vegetation and new growth creating a beautiful layered history– one of ruin and revival.
Sunlight: The Unseen Villain of Modern Lifestyles
For centuries, sunlight defined the routine of human activities – waking with the sunrise, working the day, and the day ending as the sunset. But today, in the era of artificial lighting, sunlight is avoided as much as possible, even vilified in urban life. Towering glass towers reflect it away, blackout curtains block it out, and air-conditioned interiors turn it into an unwelcome intruder.
Modern architecture and lifestyles have pushed people indoors, negatively affecting the relationship with natural light. Workspaces have gone digital and cold, sterile LEDs, and screens have replaced the sun, and entire days pass without a glimpse of daylight. This disconnection from the sun has consequences—disrupted circadian rhythms, vitamin D deficiencies, and an increase in stress and mental fatigue.
For kids, the digitalization of playtime has resulted in empty public playgrounds indirectly forcing both kids and mothers indoors. Homes are designed with smaller windows prioritizing air conditioning over natural ventilation and light. High rises are covered in reflective glass to reduce heat gain. In doing so there are two major consequences:
- Sunlight bounces off glass and concrete, creating unbearable heat zones that drive people indoors.
- In densely packed cities, skyscrapers cast long, permanent shadows, blocking sunlight from reaching lower levels. Streets and apartments become cold and dark, forcing artificial light to compensate.
The sun is not the villain. Humans have created an indoor trap for escaping the sun which is harming them back. The sun, once a giver of life, is now seen as something to be tamed, controlled, and minimized. Ironically, people now pay for what they used to receive for free—vitamin D tablets, light therapy lamps, and expensive wellness retreats designed to reintroduce them to the natural rhythms of the sun.
Relearning to Design with the Sun and Storm
Is sunlight truly the villain, or have we turned it into one? Modern architecture should start designing spaces that maximize the positives of the sunlight. One of the buildings that can be studied is The Crescent by Sanjay Puri Architects.
Crescent by Sanjay Puri Architects, located in Rajasthan, India, is a climate-responsive office built with a steel frame and Corten steel façade, designed to combat extreme heat through orientation, shading, and courtyards.
- Crescent’s design features overlapping curvilinear volumes, carefully oriented to direct all internal spaces toward the north—a strategic response to the site’s location and Rajasthan’s intense climate. This orientation minimizes direct heat gain while maximizing diffused daylight, enhancing indoor comfort.
- A semi-enclosed north-facing courtyard is nestled between the office spaces, serving as a shaded microclimate that promotes natural ventilation.
- The use of Corten steel, known for its weathering properties, allows the façade to develop a natural rust-like patina over time, reducing maintenance needs.
- Inspired by traditional Rajasthani havelis, internal courtyards enhance natural ventilation, cooling the interiors without excessive reliance on artificial systems.
Rather than resisting nature entirely, buildings must adapt, respond, and coexist with their surroundings, offering comfort while embracing the dynamic interplay between human needs and environmental forces.
References:
- Websites
Karwaan (NA) How does natural light impact architectural design?[online]. (Last updated July 15). Available at: https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/architecture/how-does-natural-light-impact-architectural-design?id=652
National Library Medicine (2014).Impact of Windows and Daylight Exposure on Overall Health and Sleep Quality of Office Workers: A Case-Control Pilot Study [online]. (Last updated; (June14, 2015). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4031400/?
ArchDaily (2015).The Crescent / Sanjay Puri Architects [online]. (Last updated June 23, 2016) Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/790035/the-crescent-sanjay-puri-architects
Evolve Back (2022). Geological Note on Hampi’s rocks [online]. (Last updated February 2022) Available at: https://www.evolveback.com/blogs/geological-note-on-hampis-rocks.html?
