Lighting Historic Buildings

Book excerpt: The purpose of this book is first to trace the history of daylighting and other sources of light, up to the end of the 19th century to show the effect light has had on the form of buildings; and second to establish how architects and designers today should approach the lighting of historic buildings in the context of present day technology. Historic buildings form a large part of a nation's heritage. Some are used for their original purpose, for example a theatre, a railway terminus or house. In this case some modification may be required to meet its enhanced needs whilst retaining the integrity of the original structure. Some historic buildings are not used for their original purpose and the functional requirement of the new outweigh the needs of the old, for example a redundant building transformed into an art gallery. There are many such conversions, and once the decision has been made to use the building in this way it should still be possible to retain something of the original integrity of the building without compromising the needs of the future. This book will provide knowledge and understanding of the issue of light in buildings of past periods, whilst providing a framework of how architects should approach such buildings today in the light of modern technology. One of the first books on this subject There is a growing need for expertise in this subject area An increasing number of historic buildings are being used for original or new uses