Skylights: A View Through Historical Perspective

Since ancient times, light from above has been seen as something almost sacred. The first skylights appeared in Roman architecture, linking human spaces with the sky. Over the centuries, their role evolved from simple openings to expressive design elements.

Skylights as a Mirror of the Times

Modernism and the Early 20th Century

With the rise of modernism, skylights became part of an architectural approach focused on openness and simplicity of lines. Architects highlighted metal and glass instead of concealing them, turning structural elements into decoration. It was a time of experimentation: stained-glass vaults, flowing lines, and new geometry made skylights part of the building’s artistic identity.

Skylights in the Industrial Era

The late 19th and early 20th centuries represented a fresh chapter in skylight design. During this time, they became common in industrial and public buildings such as factories, workshops, and covered markets, designed to make the most of available daylight. The shifting reflections and shadows on metal structures brought large spaces to life. Skylights became a symbol of functional yet aesthetically appealing industrial architecture of the time.

The Influence of Technology on Skylight Design

Technological advances greatly expanded the possibilities for skylights. The development of strong glass and metal frames made it possible to construct skylights that were previously impossible. Architects at the turn of the 20th century installed large skylights, continuing the tradition of light wells and shafts. New materials allowed for more flexible and elegant designs. New materials allowed for more elegant and adaptable designs, filling interiors with new spatial freedom.

Skylights in Art

Artists and photographers have long been drawn to light from above. In 20th-century architectural photography, skylights revealed the depth of interiors and the way light moved across surfaces. Earlier artists also explored this theme, showing how daylight could shape mood and atmosphere. Even today, skylight installations continue this tradition, influencing how we see and feel within a space.

Contemporary Trends and the Future of Skylights

Architects are experimenting with new “smart” glass that filters UV rays, adjusts daylight, and darkens automatically. In Los Angeles, skylights reach deep into rooms, tracing shifting patterns on walls and floors as the day progresses. The glass also contributes to comfortable interiors without requiring extra energy.

Similar ideas appear worldwide. In Copenhagen’s Metro, pyramidal skylights and glass prisms channel daylight down to the platforms, reducing artificial lighting and adding a subtle sense of openness underground. The next step is fully responsive designs that react to weather and time, keeping interiors comfortable with almost no manual control.

Through skylights, the history of architecture, technological change, and the spirit of the times are reflected. They have witnessed the industrial era, modernism, and transformations in residential and public interiors. Even today, light structures continue to play an important role in contemporary design.