Abstract

Daylight character in a space can be defined as the manner in which daylight permeates and is dispersed in that space. The architectural elements related to daylighting under investigation in this study were rooted in Iranian-Isfahani heritage, considered traditional Iranian architecture (from the 16th to early 20th century). The establishment of a classification system for daylighting systems holds significant utility. This study aims to delineate the architectural components present in Isfahani-style structures that facilitate the ingress of daylight, thereby enhancing the indoors. The methodology employed in this research relies on subjective observation and photographic documentation. Based on the findings of this study, architectural daylighting elements can be organized into four distinct categories: Controllers, Scatterers, Filterers, and Modifiers. This classification system delineated these categories based on the observed order in their complexity (in terms of both quantity and quality of daylight treatment), function (pertaining to lighting, view-out, or shading), material characteristics (including transparency, roughness, and brightness), and their impact on daylighting (such as distribution, colour rendition, and intensity). Daylight Controllers encompassed elements like the hurno (skylight), the ravaq, the sabat, and the tabesh-band/sarsayeh/kharakpoush (shading devices), while daylight Scatterers encompassed the shabak, the rozan, the pachang (windows and doors), and the muqarnas (an ornamental feature of skylight). Daylight Filterers, representing more advanced elements when compared to the previous two categories, included the goljam (windows) and the jam-khaneh (skylights). The most intricate daylight manipulation elements were the daylight Modifiers, exemplified by the orosi (windows) and the roshandan (skylight)

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Authors (4)