Persian architects incorporated natural light into interior spaces using various techniques and architectural elements. Some of the common methods employed are:
1. Courtyards: Persian architecture often featured central courtyards, which served as open-air spaces within households or buildings. These courtyards were open to the sky and allowed ample sunlight to penetrate and illuminate the surrounding rooms.
2. Skylights: Strategically positioned openings or skylights on the roofs or domes of buildings were designed to allow sunlight to enter the interior spaces. These skylights were often adorned with delicate glasswork or intricate latticework to create beautiful patterns of light and shadow.
3. Clerestory Windows: Persian architecture made use of clerestory windows, which were narrow and vertically elongated windows positioned high on the walls. These windows allowed direct sunlight to enter the upper levels of the building, brightening the interior spaces.
4. Muqarnas: Muqarnas is a distinctive architectural element used in Persian design that consists of decorative niches or stalactite-like structures arranged in tiers. These elements were often placed near windows or openings to enhance natural light diffusion and create beautiful patterns as the light interacted with the muqarnas.
5. Stained Glass Windows: Persian architecture also utilized stained glass windows, particularly in religious buildings like mosques or shrines, to filter and enhance the natural light entering the space. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of stained glass added a mesmerizing aesthetic element to the interior while allowing diffused light to illuminate the area.
Overall, Persian architects ingeniously incorporated natural light into interior spaces, using a combination of courtyards, skylights, clerestory windows, muqarnas, and stained glass, creating an atmosphere of illumination and beauty.
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