Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture

Light pipes. Of all the methods of innovative daylighting, the light pipe
has had the most universal application. It is basically a method of
rooflighting, which by means of association with reflective tubes, directs
the light to a lower level. Whilst it can be employed to direct light
through several floors, this has the disadvantage of locating the pipes
through the upper floors, taking up useful floor space.
Light-pipe installations can be associated with a means of ventilation,
and also with sources of artificial light which take over after dark or when
the daylight outside is insufficient, using a light control system. A
particularly useful application has been in domestic buildings, where a
light pipe can be directed to an area in the property, such as an upstairs
landing, which otherwise might receive no daylight.

THE FUTURE

The design of ‘the window’ for a new building is of the first importance,
not only because it will determine the appearance of the building, which
it does, but because it is being asked to take a major role in the control of
the building environment. It will be seen in the Case Studies to follow
later in the book, that with the large increase in ‘passive’ buildings, it is
the window which is at the leading edge of new development,
development of which is as yet far from exhausted.

34 Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture

Photograph of typical light-pipe installation

seen from inside the building

Courtesy of Monodraught Ltd

Colt ‘Interactive’ window

Courtesy of Studio E