Determining Artificial Lighting Criteria for Traditional Mud Buildings and Their Impact on Aesthetic Values and Functional Aspects (A Case Study: Historical At-Turaif District)

A study on the At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah revealed that traditional mud buildings benefit from higher illuminance and warm color temperatures for outdoor lighting, enhancing both aesthetic and functional values. Unlike other heritage structures, mud buildings lack standardized lighting guidelines, so researchers developed criteria through a mixed-methods approach—combining qualitative site observations with quantitative simulations and participant questionnaires. The findings suggest that warmer light (lower correlated color temperature) and increased brightness improve visual clarity while preserving the cultural integrity of these historic sites. This work provides a reference for future lighting standards in mud heritage conservation, offering practical insights for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hameedaldeen, K. A., Altassan, A. A., & Kotbi, A. G. (2023). Determining Artificial Lighting Criteria for Traditional Mud Buildings and Their Impact on Aesthetic Values and Functional Aspects (A Case Study: Historical At-Turaif District). Buildings, 13(10), 2546. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102546