Sun and sky

For the designer, there are two distinct elements of daylight: sunlight (the direct beam),

and skylight (the diffuse light scattered by the earth’s atmosphere)

In hot dry climates and in the Mediterranean summer, sunlight reflected from the

ground and other buildings is usually the main source of interior daylighting, but direct

sunlight is excluded from rooms to reduce overheating and visual discomfort. In cloudy

climates, light from the diffuse sky is used; windows may be large so that the interior has

a broad view of the sky. In cool regions, although excessive heat gain can occur, the

presence of direct sunlight in rooms is often welcomed by occupants for its warmth and

brightness.