How has daylight influenced architecture throughout history? This is the central question that architects Louise Grønlund and Arne Høi from the Royal Danish Academy aim to explore over the next two years in their research project "New Light on Danish Architectural History."
"Daylight plays a significant role when used consciously in the transformation or construction of new buildings. Our aim is to bring forth new knowledge on how daylight has been utilized historically as a resource, both functionally and aesthetically," says Louise Grønlund.
With a Ph.D. in daylight and architecture, she has been researching and teaching the subject since 2009 and is the head of the research cluster 'Light in Architecture and Design.'
"We aim to analyze and document how daylight has been utilized in different periods and in various types of buildings. Historically, artificial light has been a high-cost resource, and we will investigate how building design has utilized and optimized daylight in different ways," says Arne Høi, who specializes in cultural heritage and building culture and has worked both theoretically and practically with architectural analysis and valuation of historical architecture and building culture.
Louise Grønlund and Arne Høi are combining their expertise in this project. By merging these two approaches, the project aims to create new understandings of our building culture and the use of daylight as both an architectural tool and a necessary resource.
The project is developed in collaboration with the VILLUM Window Collection and will be carried out with support from VKR Holding.
"My grandfather, Villum Kann-Rasmussen, developed the VELUX roof window back in 1942 with the aim of bringing light into dark and uninhabitable lofts. It is a natural extension of his wish that we now support the scientific documentation that can provide even more insight into the role and development of daylight in Danish architecture," says Mads Kann-Rasmussen, CEO of VKR Holding.
The knowledge from the research project will be disseminated through lectures, articles, and other activities at VILLUM Window Collection and the Royal Danish Academy.
"I have no doubt that with the research project involving two recognized and academically strong individuals like Arne Høi and Louise Grønlund, we will create an even broader foundation for the museum's dissemination and increase insight into the significance of daylight throughout history and, not least, in relation to sustainable construction," says Dorthe Bech-Nielsen, Head of VILLUM Window Collection.
From the left: Jens Kann-Rasmussen Chair VILLUM FONDEN, Mads Kann-Rasmussen CEO VKR Holdning, Louise Grønlund, Lektor Bygningskunst og Design, Det Kongelige Akademi, Arne Høi Institutleder Bygningskunst og Kultur, Det Kongelige Akademi, Jakob Brandtberg Knudsen Dekan for arkitektur, Det Kongelige Akademi, Dorthe Bech-Nielsen Head of VILLUM Window Collection.