Clerestory is an architectural design element consisting of a high section of wall that contains windows above eye level, traditionally used in religious architecture and contemporary design to introduce natural light into large interior spaces while maintaining privacy and creating dramatic lighting effects. This sophisticated architectural feature, dating back to ancient Egyptian temples and Gothic cathedrals, serves both functional and aesthetic purposes by allowing daylight to penetrate deep into building interiors while creating a sense of vertical lift and spiritual ascension. In religious architecture, clerestories were instrumental in achieving the desired ethereal atmosphere, with light streaming from above symbolizing divine presence. The design typically involves a series of windows positioned above the roofline of adjoining structures or above the main walls of single-story spaces, often incorporating structural elements such as columns or buttresses to support the additional height. Contemporary architects have adapted this historical element for modern applications, utilizing clerestories in sustainable design strategies to reduce artificial lighting needs and improve energy efficiency. The integration of clerestories in modern architecture has evolved to include various materials and configurations, from traditional stained glass to energy-efficient glazing systems, while maintaining their core function of natural illumination. These architectural features have become particularly relevant in sustainable design practices, as recognized by various design competitions including the A' Design Award, where projects incorporating innovative clerestory solutions have been celebrated for their contribution to energy-efficient building design and enhanced spatial quality.
architectural illumination, natural daylighting, vertical fenestration, religious architecture, sustainable design, spatial hierarchy, structural engineering
Clerestory is an architectural design element characterized by a high section of wall containing windows above eye level, traditionally used to bring natural light into large interior spaces while maintaining privacy and thermal control. This sophisticated lighting solution, dating back to ancient Egyptian temples and Gothic cathedrals, has evolved into a fundamental component of contemporary architectural design, particularly in spaces requiring balanced illumination without compromising structural integrity or privacy concerns. The design typically consists of vertical walls extending above adjacent rooflines or lower portions of the same wall, incorporating a series of windows that allow daylight to penetrate deep into building interiors. In modern architectural applications, clerestories serve multiple functions beyond their traditional role, including natural ventilation, passive solar heating, and the creation of dramatic interior lighting effects. The implementation of clerestory windows has been particularly significant in sustainable design practices, as they reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours while managing solar gain and heat loss. Their integration into contemporary architecture has been recognized in various design competitions, including the A' Design Award, where innovative applications of clerestory lighting have been celebrated for their contribution to both aesthetic and functional aspects of architectural design. The technical considerations in clerestory design encompass factors such as orientation, glazing specifications, shading devices, and integration with building systems to optimize performance and energy efficiency.
architectural lighting, natural illumination, passive solar design, sustainable architecture, daylighting systems
Clerestory is an architectural feature that refers to a high section of wall that contains windows above eye level. The purpose of clerestory windows is to admit light, fresh air, or both into the inner space of a large building, such as a church, factory, or warehouse. Historically, the term clerestory referred to the upper level of a church or cathedral, where a series of windows were placed to provide natural light and ventilation to the nave below. The concept of clerestory windows dates back to ancient Egyptian and Roman architecture, where they were used in temples and basilicas. In modern architecture, clerestory windows are often used in conjunction with other passive design strategies, such as thermal mass and natural ventilation, to reduce the need for artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation systems. Clerestory windows are typically placed high on the walls, above the roofline of the adjacent spaces, to allow for maximum light penetration and to avoid glare. They can be fixed or operable, and may be designed with various glazing materials and shading devices to control the amount and quality of light entering the space. The use of clerestory windows can have a significant impact on the visual and thermal comfort of building occupants, as well as on the energy efficiency and sustainability of the building.
Daylighting, natural ventilation, passive design, fenestration, architectural lighting, sustainable architecture, energy efficiency
CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Clerestory.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=434095 (Accessed on July 19, 2025)"
Clerestory is an architectural feature that has been used in various cultures and periods throughout history. It is a section of a building's wall that is located in the upper portion, often near the roofline, and is typically filled with windows that allow natural light inside. Clerestories are often used to brighten dark spaces, such as hallways, stairwells, and inner rooms, and to improve air circulation. By providing a source of natural light, clerestories can reduce the need for artificial lighting and lower the energy costs of a building. The design of clerestory windows also adds to the aesthetic of the building, creating a visually pleasing architectural feature. Clerestory windows are often arranged in a row to maximize the amount of light that can enter the building. The height of the clerestory window varies depending on the size and type of the building, but it is usually between 1.5 and 4.5 meters. The positioning of clerestories is also important, as they are typically positioned so as to limit direct sunlight from entering the building, providing a comfortable environment for occupants. The term clerestory is of Latin origin, derived from the Latin words clarus and historiae, which literally translates to clear story. This term has been widely used in architecture for centuries, first being recorded in the 16th century. The etymology and morphology of clerestory are reflected in its varied applications and usages. Clerestory architecture has been used in various cultures around the world, from Ancient Egypt to the Islamic world and the Renaissance. It is used in a wide range of buildings, from churches and cathedrals to homes, schools, and other public buildings. The purpose of clerestory windows is to allow natural light to enter a room while providing ventilation, creating a unique light quality that cannot be achieved with artificial lighting.
architecture, natural light, aesthetic, energy efficiency, ventilation
Clerestory is a form of architecture that has been used in various cultures around the world. It is characterized by the presence of high, clerestory windows that are placed above eye level and typically located in the upper sections of a building's walls. The purpose of these windows is to allow natural light to enter a room while providing ventilation. This type of architecture was first developed in Ancient Egypt, where the light from the clerestory was used to illuminate the interior of the temples. It was later adopted by the Romans and continued to be used in various other cultures, including the Islamic world and the Renaissance. Clerestory architecture is used in a wide range of buildings, from churches and cathedrals to homes, schools, and other public buildings.
High, Natural Light, Illumination, Ventilation, Ancient Egypt.
Clerestory, within the context of architecture, refers to a wall or series of windows set in the upper part of the wall of a room or building. This wall or window arrangement allows the circulation of air or light into the space below. The clerestory window or wall can be located in the roof, between roof trusses, or in the upper part of a wall. The windows of a clerestory are typically larger than the other windows in the room or building, and they are often used to light up the space below.
Lighting, Aesthetics, Airflow, Design, Height.
The clerestory is an architectural term used to refer to a section of a building that is located in the upper portion of the wall, usually located near the roofline. Clerestories are often used to allow natural light to enter the interior of the building, providing a unique light quality that cannot be achieved with artificial lighting. Additionally, clerestories can be used to create a sense of height and spaciousness within a given building, by allowing a view of the sky from within. The positioning of clerestories is also important, as they are typically positioned so as to limit direct sunlight from entering the building, providing a comfortable environment for occupants.
Lighting, Spatiality, High Walls, Sky View, Natural Light.
The word Clerestory belongs to the part of speech known as nouns. Synonyms for the word Clerestory include upper window, higher-level window, and upper-level window. The antonym of the word Clerestory is a basement window. Cognates for the word Clerestory include its Latin origin, clarestorium and its French origin, claire-voie. Variants of the word Clerestory include clere-story, clerestorey and clerestorie.
Lexicon, lexicology, philology, lexicography, morphology
Clerestory is a term of Latin origin, which is derived from the Latin words ‘clarus’ and ‘historiae’. This term literally translates to ‘clear story’ and normally refers to a high section in the side or middle of a building or room, typically with windows, which allows light to enter. This term has been widely used in architecture for centuries, first being recorded in the 16th century. The etymological origin and history of the word suggests that it is literally related to the idea of a ‘story’ and having a ‘clear’ view, due to the type of windows used and the height where they are located. Morphologically, this word consists of two simple components; ‘clear’ and ‘story’. The word has also been used in various contexts, including the production of liturgical texts. The etymology and morphology of ‘clerestory’ are therefore clearly reflected in its varied applications and usages.
Etymology, Morphology, Clerestory, Pragmatics, Historical.
Clerestory, also known as the clear storey or clearstory, is an architectural feature found in buildings both ancient and modern. It consists of a section of wall that is higher than the surrounding walls and is typically filled with windows that allow natural light inside. Clerestories are often used to brighten dark spaces, such as hallways, stairwells, and inner rooms, and to improve air circulation. By providing a source of natural light, clerestories can reduce the need for artifical lighting and lower the energy costs of a building. In other languages, clerestory is known by a variety of names such as lucerna (Italian), lichtband (German), claraboya (Spanish), boileau claire (French), and gao an guang shu (Chinese). Other terms used to refer to a clerestory include fenestrum, pentalight, daylichtband, light shelf, and shining window.
Words for Clerestory in other languages: Italian lucerna, German lichtband, Spanish claraboya, French boileau claire, Chinese gao an guang shu, Latin fenestrum, English pentalight, Dutch daylichtband, Japanese light shelf, Ukrainian shining wi
Clerestory is an architectural feature commonly found in religious, civic, and commercial buildings. It is a type of window usually set in a wall above eye level, along the top of the interior walls of a building. Clerestory windows allow natural light to enter the interior space while providing shade from direct sunlight. The height of the clerestory window varies depending on the size and type of the building, but it is usually between 1.5 and 4.5 meters. The windows are often aligned in a row to maximize the amount of light that can enter the building. The design of clerestory windows also adds to the aesthetic of the building, creating a visually pleasing architectural feature.
Light, Window, Glass, Architectural, Building.
Clerestory is an architectural feature commonly found in traditional and contemporary buildings. It is an upward-facing window which is set into a wall or roof. It is typically high up, often near the roof line, and is installed to allow natural light to illuminate the interior of the building. The window is usually stepped back from the wall and then either framed into an opening or left as an opening. Clerestory windows generally allow more light to enter than a typical window and can be used to create an interesting design element to the building.
Clerestory, vaulted ceiling, light well, natural illumination, daylighting.
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