Course content

The main concepts in light technology, basic photometric laws, the eye's response to light and the main factors for vision. Daylight as a light source, daylight design, daylight calculations according to regulations and standards, the importance of daylight for the visual environment, health and well-being. Overview of electric light sources and their properties. Lighting in sustainable architecture.

When choosing the specialization area Light and color within AAR4680 Circular Studio - Buildings, AAR4850 - Light and Visual Perception is a mandatory knowledge topic.

Learning outcome

The course aims to give students:

Knowledge in human visual system, visual perception, impact of light on health, photometric notions and rules, daylight as a light source, electric lighting, principles of daylighting, monitoring and evaluation of daylighting.

Skills in lighting design with the main focus at natural light and sustainability, qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the visual environment in buildings.

General competence to utilize new skills to enhance the quality of architectural design and to cooperate with lighting-technical consultants and other professionals, especially about issues relevant for the visual environment in architecture and sustainable development.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars, demonstrations, laboratory exercises with artificial sky, and artificial sun. The course is taught in a concentrated form at the beginning of the term. The exam is in early October.

The teacher will inform students at the start of the semester if there will be a voluntary excursion. Students who participate in voluntary excursions will be expected to pay an individual sum. Students who choose not to participate in the voluntary excursion will be offered an alternative teaching plan.

This course is offered to incoming exchange students and will be taught in English if necessary.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Completed three years basic courses in architecture, bachelor in architecture or equivalent.

Course materials

Daylight design of buildings, Nick Baker and Koen Steemers

Dagslys i bygninger, Lyskultur 21/98

The graphical method and lecture notes, B. Matusiak