Survey of Historic Sims in Thailand: An In-situ, Inter-institutional Lighting Study

Current study was 3-day, exploratory site survey of historic Sims (small village temples used by monks) in Northeastern Thailand, conducted by team of professors/ researchers and students, hailing from universities in Thailand and USA, representing architecture and allied building disciplines. Existing conditions were documented via digital cameras. Measurements were conducted using: manual and laser tape measures. Reflected ceiling plans were developed. Light was measured using illuminance meter. Researchers compared findings to various lighting standards for various visual tasks. Luminaires and lighting techniques were noted. Sims were constructed between 1865-1953. 100% were renovated. Original illumination was natural light and candlelight. More recently, artificial sources, including fluorescent and LED were installed. Measured lighting levels exhibited variability. Some measurements did not comply with industry standards. Researchers speculated that some alterations were for practical reasons (i.e., using electric light in lieu of candles) or to reflect newer styles, (i.e. changes in height of temples) apparently to comply with new standards, over time. Researchers speculated that original candlelight produced variance with irregular flicker, creating mystery. Newer electric lighting was determined to be glaring and monotonous; mounted centrally overhead; producing relatively even light with no differentiation for important religious artifacts. Keywords: temple, interior, historic, Thailand, light