Natural Light and Sensory Experience in Museums: A Sustainable Approach to the Cultural Valorization of Dellys

Abstract

In order to explore innovative and sustainable architectural solutions that celebrate the cultural identity and environmental specificities of Dellys, a Mediterranean coastal city in Algeria, a comprehensive research has been carried out. This study investigates the role of natural lighting and sensory experience in museum design, with the aim of developing a contemporary cultural institution that aligns with both local heritage and climate-responsive strategies. The research adopts a multi-layered approach combining theoretical analysis, typomorphological and sensorial studies, and environmental simulations. Tools such as Meteonorm, Climate Consultant, Ecotect, and Radiance were used to evaluate daylighting performance and inform passive strategies tailored to Dellys’ context. A diachronic urban analysis, supported by a SWOT evaluation, led to the definition of a thematic project: a cultural museum that acts as a bridge between land and sea, past and future. The proposed museum reinterprets traditional Dellysian features, such as courtyards, qbous, and filtered openings, within a phenomenological and bioclimatic framework. The goal is to create a sensorial and emotional journey for visitors while enhancing visual comfort, reducing energy consumption, and promoting sustainable tourism. The spatial experience integrates local craftsmanship, educational workshops, and external artisan pavilions, all designed to revive the unique urban and architectural identity of Dellys in a resilient, environmentally responsive environment.