Light and shadow: Mediterranean visual scenes

Abstract

Introducing sustainable criteria in the building sector is a challenge which can be faced using different strategies. The development and integration of renewable energies on different scales is part of the solution, but first the reduction of energy demand in buildings and cities must be taken into account. One of the potentials of the Mediterranean countries is the high radiation availability during most of the year, which can be used in active and passive design strategies. It is considered that urban and architectural design, along with significant knowledge of outdoor luminosity, can contribute to a reduction in the use of energy for lighting in entrance spaces. In this chapter, a field study conducted using different procedures enables an overall definition of the appearance of Mediterranean cities in terms of light, which offers an approach which could be applied to cities and architectural design. The conclusions drawn in this study can lead to design recommendations which integrate the use of shadow, the potential of material properties, and other ways to improve visual adaptation and reduce visual contrast, especially in the entrance of buildings.