DAYLIGHTING IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

DAY LIGHTING IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECURE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PORTFOLIO

AISHWARYA NAIR

INTRODUCTION Natural day light in architecture is an alternative for artificial lighting and for aesthetics. The science of day lighting design is not just how to provide enough daylight to an occupied space, but how to do so without any undesirable side effects. In contemporary architecture, it is said to be an energy efficient method as the use of artificial lighting is cut down by a huge amount. There are various methods of playing with the natural light, which in some regions were adopted as one of the traditional methods or features of the region's architecture.

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LOUVRE MUSEUM, ABU DHABI

“Inspired by the architecture and traditions of the Untited Arab Emirates, architect Jean Nouvel has concieved a remarkable home for Louvre Abu Dhabi. This extraordinary architectural feat is also a powerful symbol of the nation's vision and achievements.

“The main purpose this museum , besides being the home to some of the well known artifacts in the world, is to prepare a platform for an open dialogue on art and antiquities, bring unique outlook to the multicultural society of the United Arab Emirates.

Louvre Abu Dhabi has become the final destination of an urban promenade, a garden on the coast, a cool haven, a shelter of light during the day and evening, its aesthetic consistent with its role as a sanctuary for the most precious works of art.

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DAY LIGHTING The main attraction of the museum, besides the art galleries is the central courtyard where the effect of diffused day light is prominent on any bright sunny day. Day lighting has minimized the use of artificial light in the premises and increases the efficiency of natural light, thus making this building energy efficient.

The courtyard also gives a sense of enigmatic openness and allows frequent circulation of air.

FIGURE A

WATER GARDENS

FIGURE B

Figures 'A' and "B" show the contrasting elements (light and water) used to enhance the aesthetics on the interiors of Louvre Museum. Both the elements have an important significance in Islamic architecture.

Another feature which visitors find amusing is the water gardens which naturally flow into the interiors, due to the location and positioning of the corresponding galleries. This helps in creating a comfortable micro climate and also a place for congregation of the incoming visitors.

Comparatively, use of air conditioning is limited to the main art galleries and the entrance lobby.

This minimizes the use of mechanical means of creating comfortable spaces.

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DOME STRUCTURE Inspired by the cupola, a distinctive feature in Islamic architecture, the Louvre dome is a complex geometric structure of 7,850 stars repeated in various shapes and sizes in eight different layers.

The dome consists of eight different layers: four outer layers clad in stainless steel and four inner layers clad in aluminium separated by a steel frame five meteres high.

JOINT DETAIL

The figure shows the detail of the dome. The eight plates- four on each side are operated by structural steel members of 5 meters in height..

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The frame is made of 10,000 structural components preassembled into 85 super-sized elements.

However, the structure seems to look less heavier on the eyes as the museum is surrounded by blue waters of the Arabian gulf, which compensates for the dome’s heavy mass and makes it look airy and lightweight from various vantage points in and around the building.

TRADITIONAL FEATURES IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

The dome consists of eight layers of perforated steel and aluminium sheets through which each ray of natural day light penetrates before appearing then disappearing onto the courtyard floor. In fact, the dome behaves as a mashrabiya creating a unique combination of two elements.

Nouvel has used three of the most important elements of Islamic architecture; the dome, the mashrabiya and the water gardens.

Dome provides shelter, enhances acoustics and also signifies royalty and power.

Mashrabiya is the elegant latticework found on windows or partition walls, adding aesthetics to the building or a building features.

Water gardens; also known as “Paradise Gardens” shapes the aesthetics of landscapes and breathing life into structures.

Nouvel’s ideology was to bring tradition to his structure by introducing these significant architecture elements to highlight the region’s heritage and culture.

MASTER PLAN

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RAIN OF LIGHT

The result of daylight falling on the perforated dome is akin to a cinematic effect as the sun’s path progresses throughout the day.

At night, it forms 7,850 stars visible from both inside and out. Named the ‘Rain of Light’, this effect has been the subject of many models and mock-ups over the years and is one of the defining features of the concept.

Subject of numerous articles across the globe, the 'Rain of light' has received mixed reviews.

I find it one of the most appropriate component to create a conducive microclimate around the building.

Cutting direct exposure to sun, the dome provides an aesthetic element, unique to this project.

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INFERENCE

Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world: a universal museum that is a cultural beacon, bringing together different cultures to shine fresh light on the shared stories of humanity through its unique architecture, art and heritage.

The most eye catching feature of the museum is the 180 meter wide perforated dome, through which natural daylight falls into the building premises.

Daylighting in the museum’s interior is maximized though large openings which allow diffused yet sufficient daylight into the spaces; it also aids to the pleasant microclimate on the interiors.

The cinematic effect of day-lighting known as the “Rain of Light�, makes the central courtyard of the museum aesthetically pleasing and attractive.

I find this unique element one of the most unifying element which binds loosely held components of galleries and water canals on the site.

Several vantage points within the covered court create unsurpassed visual corridors and a sense of discovery at each point.

Light has played an important role in this project and Nouvel has used the daylight to create magical spaces. Specially during winter fog, the space gets a magical overtone.

Use of traditional features like the dome and the concept of a mashrabiya gives the museum a sense of the local heritage of its location.

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