2024 - The Light of Cave Dwelling: A Dialogue between Tradition and Modernity

Project Description:
Cave dwellings, an ancient form of residence with a history of over 4,000 years, have been scattered across hills and valleys since the Zhou Dynasty. With societal changes and the evolution of living habits, traditional caves are gradually being replaced by modern brick and tile structures, posing a risk of disappearance to traditional folk cultural heritages like the ”earth pit courtyard.” Analysis reveals that the primary issues with caves are inadequate lighting, poor ventilation, and high humidity, which can be attributed to the lack of lighting. Poor lighting not only affects the visual comfort of occupants but also indirectly impacts indoor air quality and humidity regulation. Therefore, improving the lighting design of caves is crucial for enhancing the living quality of cave dwellings, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting caves as a showcase of China’s ancient cultural charm and achievements in modern ecological civilization.
The project draws inspiration from the concept of ”sunflower” to enhance the lighting of caves through slanted skylights and the installation of periscopes, addressing the issues from both the perspective of light and sight. Based on the principle of ”Sunlight—Light Climate—Sunflower-style Skylight—Diffuse Reflection—Cave Interior,” the project aims to improve natural light absorption by using periscopes to collect light from multiple angles during the day. Additionally, solar panels are installed on the slanted surfaces of the skylight to collect excess light energy and convert it into electricity for storage and use at night. The project primarily focuses on enhancing the ”light absorption” effect of the skylight, allowing more natural light to enter the interior space through refraction and diffuse reflection. Excess daylight can also be converted into electricity for use at night, thereby improving the efficiency of daylight utilization. With more light entering, the caves will become ”brighter.”