Analysis of Aga Khan Awards for Architecture in the context of spatial identity-natural light interaction

Natural light, which plays an important role in making the space perceptible, visible and functional, not only fulfils a physical need, but also gives aesthetic, symbolic and emotional meanings to the space. Natural light, which adds spirit and depth to the space, enriches the architectural experience by coming to the fore as a tool that makes you feel the flow of time. Natural light, which forms the identity of the space with this multi-layered effect, is an important phenomenon that reflects the unique character of the building, the emotional bond it establishes with the user and the cultural context in which it is located. This study aims to determine which role of natural light is more effective in creating spatial identity by analysing the relationship between spatial identity and natural light through projects that have received the Aga Khan Architecture Award since 1977, which effectively incorporate many site-specific elements from the use of local materials to natural light into the design. In this context, firstly, the concepts of 'spatial identity', 'natural light', and 'Aga Khan Award for Architecture' and their relations with each other are discussed at the conceptual level. Within the scope of the study, by analysing the literature, the roles of natural light in creating spatial identity were determined as 12 criteria under 4 main headings as functional, semantic, aesthetic and psychological roles. In the field study, a total of 15 buildings were selected, including one public building that received an award from each cycle, starting from the first award cycle of 1978-1980 until the last award cycle of 2020-2022. The jury reports of the buildings were read, interior and exterior photographs, plans and all kinds of printed and digital sources showing their interaction with natural light were used, and the projects were analysed spatially and contextually. While the buildings were examined through the parameters determined within the scope of the thesis, each structure was classified into three groups as 'effective', 'partially effective' and 'ineffective' in line with meeting the criteria in the analysis table. During the analyses, the buildings were evaluated as 'effective' if they met all or most of these criteria, 'partially effective' if they met half or almost half of them, and 'ineffective' if they did not meet any of them. Within the scope of the study, it has been determined that the semantic aspect of natural light is dominant on spatial identity and is an effective factor in the award of the buildings Criteria reflecting the semantic effect of natural light on spatial identity: 'establishing a relationship with the architectural concept', 'highlighting elements with sacred, cultural, historical or symbolic meaning', 'providing spatial organisation'; the projects that successfully interpreted these criteria and transferred them to the design were found successful by the jury. In line with the data obtained in the study, it was seen that qualified spaces were created in the designs made by considering the effect of natural light on spatial identity. As a result, it is thought that this study provides designers with a valuable perspective on the importance of natural light in reflecting the unique character of the building.