ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 reviews the understanding of the role of daylight in architecture throughout history in different cultures. Since the dawn of the Egyptian civilisation, the solar disc and its rays have influenced human culture and shaped the architecture of cities and configured urban spaces. The role of daylight in ancient Greece is explored and followed by a discussion of the architectural practices in ancient Rome and the Islamic civilisation. The chapter also investigates the historic interrelationships between daylight and architecture in Asia with examples from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. The chapter ends by providing examples of contemporary architects who have effectively used daylight in their designs.
