IDEAL ROMAN HOUSE PROJECT
Lighting Effect in Ancient Roman Houses
Heidelberg University; Collection of Classical Antiquities
Kübranur Akyol
In ancient Roman architecture, the atrium was a central and important space within a house, often serving as the focal point of domestic life. Light played a significant role in the design of the atrium and its functionality. Here's an explanation of how light was managed and utilized in the atrium of an ancient Roman house:
Impluvium: The atrium typically featured an open central area known as the impluvium. This was a shallow rectangular basin designed to collect rainwater. The impluvium served a dual purpose: it helped to channel rainwater into cisterns for household use, and it also allowed natural light to penetrate into the atrium.
Compluvium: Directly above the impluvium was an opening in the roof known as the compluvium. This opening was typically square or rectangular and served as a skylight. It allowed daylight to enter the atrium and illuminated the central part of the house. The size and shape of the compluvium could vary depending on the architectural design.
Peristyle: In some larger Roman houses, such as villas, the atrium was surrounded by a colonnaded courtyard called a peristyle. The peristyle often had an open-air design with columns and a garden. This area would also receive natural light, contributing to the overall illumination of the atrium.
Clerestory Windows: In more elaborate Roman houses, especially during later periods, clerestory windows were incorporated into the design of the atrium. These were high windows located above eye level and below the roofline. They allowed additional light to enter the atrium while maintaining privacy.
Decorative Elements: To enhance the play of light, Roman architects often incorporated decorative elements like mosaic floors and frescoes on the walls. These elements reflected and refracted light, adding to the overall ambiance of the atrium.
Atrium Function: The atrium was not just a source of natural light but also served various functions within the household. It was a space for receiving guests, conducting business, and even performing religious rituals. The light and open design of the atrium created a welcoming and functional environment for these activities.
The use of light in the atrium of an ancient Roman house not only served practical purposes but also had symbolic significance. The impluvium and compluvium, for example, represented the connection between the home and the heavens, and the natural light entering the space was seen as a representation of the divine and a way to bring the outside world into the heart of the home. The design of the atrium varied from house to house, influenced by factors such as the owner's wealth, regional architectural styles, and the time period in which it was constructed.
In this project, I also showed the light change by modeling.
