An analysis of the use of natural light in modern architecture ranging from the beginning of the 20th century to 1980s

Light has been one of the crucial elements of architecture for centuries. The character of the architectural space is enhanced by controlling the admission of daylight via the form of a building and the size, position and aspect of the openings in its fabric. The diversity in the architectural expression of light ranges from the evocative lighting of a Gothic cathedral and the drama of a Baroque church to the simple quietude of a domestic interior. The effect and the interplay of light and shadow in space is a response to functional and emotional needs derived from a unified design approach.The developments and movements which emerged in the 20th century and dominated the architectural practices, naturally, enabled the light to be used in various ways and styles. It is believed that it would be beneficial to revisit those practices from the point of natural light once again and re-evaluate the aspects of the use of natural light. Most of the current studies in this field seem to adapt a viewpoint peculiar to certain architects and thus lack in covering the issue as a whole in itself. On the other hand, a classification of light in terms of its ?functional and semantic? use is expected to present a more detailed and relatively original framework to the issue.The purpose of the study is to examine and understand the functional and semantic use of light in the architectural space through certain sample buildings and to present a general framework to the use of light in a certain period. The introduction of the study focuses on the problem, hypothesis, aim, scope and the method of the study. In the second part, the use of natural light from the early ages to the industrial revolution and the change of the use of natural light due to developing technology and new material are taken in the centre of discussion. The third part deals with the functional and semantic use of natural light from the beginning of the 20th century to 1980s, focusing on certain buildings that represent the architectural character of the periods in question. In the conclusion part, some generalisations on the use of light in certain periods are suggested, depending on the findings based on the analysis of sample buildings.