Abstract
Natural light in the Cistercian churches is closely linked not only with the liturgical requirements at the “officium” but also with the canonical hours based on the "ora et labora" dictated by the Rule of St. Benedict. The Cistercian architecture, in its beginnings (12th century forward) is characterized by austerity, simplicity and the play of light and shadow that gives value to the monastic architectural space itself, making it perfect for a contemplative experience. In the Cistercian Monastery the church is the central piece of the monastic building. Nave, transept and apse are the main architectural components to which is added the choir. This paper contextualizes the importance and close connections of natural light, within the Cistercian Monasteries architecture. Thus the essence of daylight is analysed within the Church of the Monastery of S. Bento de Cástris, in Évora, Portugal. This former Monastery (13th - 19th centuries) includes the church, at the south-eastern corner which has not only a high choir, but also a low lateral choir (within the presbytery). Its unchanged exterior walls are made of solid masonry. Although the function of the walls is primarily structural, the windows allow the daylight to penetrate the space of the church. The church has two external façades facing northeast and southeast. The combined orientation effect of the church’s main axis and the sun trajectory determines how the sunlight reaches the interior of this architectural structure. This study presents the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the luminous environment in the church of S. Bento de Cástris, being the first based on the authors’ perception of the effect of the daylight within the different areas of the enclosed space. The appreciation of the spatial experiences was supported by quantitative daylight simulations that were conducted in selected areas within the space. With this paper is intended to contribute to the debate about the specificity of daylight, in the context of Cistercian architecture.
Highlights
The Cistercian Order was introduced in Portugal, in the 12th century and its monasteries from the beginning associated with the development of the nation and the objectives of occupation and administration of the territory [1, 2]
This paper presents a qualitative and quantitative approach to natural lighting for the S
Benedict, exploring the relation between the monastic spaces and Cistercian canonical hours, the Cistercian work and prayer as it is known as “Ora et Labora” Carlos and Martins [8] explore the natural light connected to the Cistercian canonical hours
Summary
The Cistercian Order was introduced in Portugal, in the 12th century and its monasteries from the beginning associated with the development of the nation and the objectives of occupation and administration of the territory [1, 2]. Light has had a symbolic role related to the sacred This role is apparent in the religious buildings in the creation of worshipping and aesthetic forms. It is one of the key architectural elements which introduce visitor to a sense of inner harmony resulting in the spiritual relation between believers and religion. A daylight factor is commonly used and is based on uniform or overcast skies regardless of weather conditions. It is the ratio of the light level inside a structure to the light level outside the structure [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
