The Lord said, “Let there be light!”, and that gave birth to an architect’s salvation!

This is in no way blasphemy–in fact, it is a praise for the most important natural element that humanity has been gifted.

But of course my praise comes in an architectural discourse so as to stay on brand.

Since the dawn of time, buildings have been made to prioritize seeing, hence the invention of openings like windows, doors, skylights, and so on–because apart from accessibility, we need openings to let in light and air so we can see and breathe and therefore function.

But architects should understand light more than anyone else, because we know that playing with lighting can affect the human brain in so many different ways, so in using light strategically and intentionally, we can set the mood of spaces.

Today we are exploring how the relationship between light and design, and how manipulating light in different ways can change how we feel in different spaces.

Natural Light: The Ultimate Treasure In Design

One good measure I use to scoop out a good architectural work is analysing its optimization of natural lighting.

A well naturally-lit space feels welcoming, and helps you regulate your internal clock by observing how it fades in cadence.

Psychologists believe that natural light improves cognitive function through uplifting your mood.

And–as clear as day–optimizing natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting so it can reduce cost on energy use, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with that.

But natural light can also do more than that; it can be the focal point of a project that can provoke different emotions.

Take “The Church Of Light” by Tadao Ando for example. 

Unlike many other churches, it is unadorned by any ornaments, making it feel as though it is void and dark except for the light coming in through the eastern facade in a crucifix window.

This light feels like a warm gentle whisper in a space of calmness and void, reminding you of purity and a vision at the end of a tunnel–which to me is poetically a form of a promise to have answered prayers!

Natural light also dances so well on materials, often highlighting them in a picturesque sense. 

In the House with a Brick Veil by Studio Lotus, New Delhi-India, the light isn’t just an element that merely fills the room; it is a companion to the bricks, and a soft brush that slips through the skylights.

As the sun moves, shadows get darker and softer, which makes the brick come alive. In this instance, it feels less like a material, and more like earth quietly holding the day.

Artificial Lighting: The Invention That Has Potential

All good things come to an eventual end–including light–and when natural light sets into oblivion, how do we make sure we design spaces that offer adequate lighting?

Understanding artificial lighting is crucial in designing spaces that allow users to function or inhabit as intended.

We have 3 main types of artificial lighting that serve specific purposes:

a. Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is the soft, overall light that fills a space and allows people to see comfortably without focusing on anything in particular.

It is the base layer of illumination. Think of it like the gentle glow of ceiling fixtures you will find in a hotel lobby or the general clarity in a mall at night.

Ambient light doesn’t draw attention to itself; instead, it creates a calm, balanced backdrop for everything else, ensuring the room feels open and welcoming.

b. Task lighting

Task lighting is focused light designed to help you clearly perform a specific activity.

A classic example is a reading lamp beside a sofa or at a work desk. Or the lighting under kitchen cabinets that brightens the countertop for food preparation.

Or the mirror light you use when applying makeup. You get the idea.

Task lighting is sharper and more direct than ambient light because its purpose is clarity, as it makes sure your eyes don’t strain and your work is precise.

c. Accent lighting

Ever entered a restaurant and felt your eyes instantly drawn to a single wall, where light seems to pour over the material of it like a quiet spotlight on a stage?

That is accent lighting at work!

Accent lighting is the dramatic, intentional light used to highlight something special within a space.

It is the intentional use of focused light to highlight what deserves attention, be it a textured surface, a piece of art, a sculpture, or even a line of plants along a pathway.

Unlike ambient lighting, which fills a room, accent lighting creates drama and depth, shaping shadows and making certain materials or objects feel more vivid, and almost alive.
It tells you, without words, “Look here, this matters!”

Making artificial light work is an art that requires understanding that it is not just about function, but also about aesthetics.

Choosing the right color temperature, intensity, attenuation, and the direction of light is important in making sure the collision between the chosen light and the materials in that space evoke the right emotion and creates the right vibe.

The Relationship Between Light And Architectural Elements

Light allows us to emphasize, showcase, and perceive.

When it comes to different elements of architecture, playing with light can make them pop, or hide others, as desired.

I want to talk about light in 3 main ways: light and forms, light and materials, and light as a concept.

1. Light And Form

Le Corbusier said, “ architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of forms assembled in light”, and I couldn’t agree more!

Light gives form its meaning. When light strikes a surface, form begins to speak.

A curved wall becomes gentle when daylight slides across it, while a sharp edge becomes bold when it cuts a clean shadow.

A deep window recess feels contemplative when shadows pool inside it.

When sunlight enters a room from a high window, it can make a simple wall feel taller and more defined, or it can change the way we read a staircase by creating alternating bands of light and shadow.

In all these scenes, light doesn’t change the form itself, but it changes how we see and experience the given form throughout the day.

2. Light And Materials

Different materials reveal different characters when light touches them.

Bricks hold light in its rough surface, warming into deep reds and browns that remind us of the earth they’re made from.

Wood softens the light, letting it sink into its grain until it feels almost alive.

Metal answers light differently–reflecting, bending, or scattering it, sometimes sharp and bright, other times muted like a quiet echo of the sky.

Glass captures and transmits light, sometimes making spaces glow from within, sometimes casting shimmering reflections that dance on surrounding surfaces.

I could go on and on, but the point is: the way we see a material comes from the light that falls on it, and the material itself shapes how that light is experienced.

Light and material are inseparable. Light shows the texture and color, while the material controls how light moves through or bounces off it.

3. Light As A Design Concept

I believe I have made it clear that light=illumination in this post, but that is not all it can be.

Light can be the idea that shapes the entire project. 

A home might be arranged around a single courtyard so that rooms receive daylight like a shared heartbeat, like the Casa Sert.

A gallery may use narrow beams of light to guide visitors, letting brightness lead them from one piece to the next.

Designers may create openings specifically to shape the light inside a building.

The point I’m making is when light is treated as part of the design concept, it becomes a tool for improving comfort, mood, and the overall experience of a space.

Skylights, and other openings become tools not just for seeing, but for feeling the space, and living through its calm, its rhythm, its intention, its warmth, etc.

If anything, I encourage my readers who are designers to adopt using light as a pivotal point in their concepts, and throughout the design process, as a culture not just as a trend.

 At The End Of The Tunnel, There Is Light!

The relation between architecture and light is one that deserves books, it’s like 5 and 6, always together for the better.

If we, as designers, can understand light and how to manipulate it, we can come up with better ways to design the user experience in our designs.

And we can make our buildings more efficient, and eco friendly through harnessing sun energy.

And of course, we can dance around with our forms and materials to make art–because architecture is not just about designing function, but about touching the emotions of humans through designed experiences.

I hope this was a helpful read, and an enjoyable experience. Comment below what you want to hear about next, or if you have any comment, questions, suggestions, or crits. See you soon, ciao!