ABSTRACT

Visual Delight in Architecture examines the many ways that our lives are enriched by the presence of natural daylight and window views within our buildings. It makes a compelling case that daily exposure to the rhythms of daylight is essential to our health and well-being, tied to the very genetic foundations of our physiology and cognitive function. It describes all the subtlety, beauty, and pleasures of well-daylit spaces and attractive window views, and explains how these are woven into the fabric of both our everyday sensory experience and enduring cultural perspectives.

All types of environmental designers, along with anyone interested in human health and well- being, will fi nd new insights offered by Visual Delight in Architecture. The book is both accessible and provocative, full of personal stories and persuasive research, helping designers to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific basis of their designs, scientists to better grasp the real-world implications of their work, and everyone to more fully appreciate the role of windows in their lives.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

part 1|68 pages

Prediction

chapter 1|7 pages

Planetary Rhythms

chapter 2|16 pages

Chronobiology and Human Health

chapter 3|16 pages

The Evolving and Aging Eye

chapter 4|10 pages

The Predictive Brain

chapter 5|16 pages

Attention and Insight

part 2|108 pages

Perception

chapter 6|13 pages

Learning to See

chapter 7|33 pages

Patterns of Daylight Illumination

chapter 8|27 pages

Designing with Daylight

chapter 9|30 pages

Elements of View

part 3|99 pages

Motivation

chapter 10|20 pages

Daylighting Education

chapter 11|11 pages

Selling Daylight

chapter 12|17 pages

Enduring Urban Forms

chapter 13|11 pages

The Value of View

chapter 14|22 pages

Working with Daylight

chapter 15|13 pages

Healing Daylight

part 4|66 pages

Meaning

chapter 16|15 pages

Iconic Daylight and Views

chapter 17|12 pages

Visions of Nature

chapter 18|14 pages

Biophilia and Technophilia

chapter 19|18 pages

Synthesis and Next Steps

chapter |4 pages

Conclusion: The Case for Visual Delight