Architects use light and shadow in their designs with a variety of methods, including the following:
1. Manipulating the natural light: Architects create unique design elements, such as skylights, clerestory windows, and light scoops, to control the direction and intensity of natural light.
2. Artificial Lighting Design: An architect will use various types of light fixtures to place the light in specific places, and they use various types of lights to make them aesthetically pleasing and functional.
3. Expression of Forms: Architects use light to emphasise specific design elements that contribute to the overall form and structure of the building, highlighting them.
4. Shadow Play: Through careful planning and engineering, architects allow not only the penetration of light into specific areas, but they also make use of the interplay between light and dark, often done by creating patterns of light and shadow within the building to provide texture and interest to the space.
5. Energy-saving Passive Design: Natural light and shadows are sometimes used by architects to design spaces that need less energy for lighting, cooling, or heating.
6. Emotional Response: Architects can design spaces that imitate sunrise, sunset, and other natural phenomena that stimulate a unique atmosphere and experience in the built environment.
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