Thesis Abstract

Natural light is the essence from which all color reacts and takes existence. It’s the all important element in interior design/architecture. It provides a space with genuineness and without it a room can look unexciting, uninteresting and can feel repulsive. Sunlight is an elemental part of our existence and a fundamental component of green design. The purpose of this study is to use as much natural light as possible in designing a beauty and fashion centre to accomplish decrease in energy consumption, low costs, and requires less heating and cooling from the building. The research method adopted for this thesis was based on an in depth literature review and case study of other beauty and fashion centers. Day lit environments increase occupant productivity and comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation required to control human circadian rhythms. It also increases energy savings, increase revenue in retail applications. Second, several important factors ranging from design to installation and operation must be carefully addressed in order to realize these benefits. In conclusion a beauty salon and fashion centre can be designed as one single entity. Secondly site orientation and the building morphology are the first basic issues that affect the effective use of daylight in any interior space. Other components such as material use, shading device scheme and sizes of openings are basically used to control the amount and redirect daylight.

Thesis Overview

1.0      INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Light determines our perception of architecture; it enables us to appreciate the diverse qualities of the space, Size, geometric, shape, texture and color. It is perhaps the element with the greatest influence over the atmosphere of a place. The correct illumination intensifies the poetic and emotional impact of a project. (Verges, 2008) From the earliest caves, light informed the lives of the inhabitants of a place. Initially it was in the difference between day and night; but as dwellings became more sophisticated, it was by means of openings or windows letting in light. The history of architecture is synonymous with the history of day lighting. From the initial crude openings, letting in light and air, heat and cold, the window was the vehicle for the introduction of daylight, and ultimately to the wondrous interiors of the mediaeval cathedral, the Baroque churches or the many private buildings of the eighteenth century. (Phillips, 2012)

For Many years the study of the illumination of a building was limited to solving functional and safety problems. The main aim was to guarantee sufficient levels of light to carry out any given activity without really taking other factors such as psychological comfort and visual fatigue into account. (Verges, 2008) Architectural lighting design focuses on three fundamental aspects of the illumination of buildings or spaces. The first is the aesthetic appeal of a building, an aspect particularly important in the illumination of retail environments. Secondly, the ergonomic aspect: the measure of how much of a function the lighting plays…