Construction Wisdom of Traditional Dwellings in China’s Yangtze River Delta: A Study Based on Daylighting Environment

Focusing on traditional dwellings in China’s Yangtze River Delta, this study integrates physical environment measurement and computer simulation to quantify the influence of spatial morphological parameters on the daylighting environment and analyze its temporal dynamic adaptation throughout the year. Moreover, by exploring the dynamic interaction between the daylighting environment and the dwellers’ behavior patterns, it elucidates how traditional spaces, through light, guide and support a specific lifestyle, and how this interaction, combined with regional aesthetic concepts and cultural traditions, fosters a unique culture of light. Based on the findings, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) spatially, traditional dwellings adopt a synergetic daylighting mechanism, which is collectively determined by the morphological parameters of the south sky-well, the deployment of north crab eye sky-wells, and the coordination of orientation, depth, and window type; (2) temporally, traditional dwellings exhibit a dynamic daylighting regulation mechanism realized by the reasonable design and combination of spatial and interface components, and they precisely balance the light and thermal needs in different seasons; (3) the temporal daylighting regulation guides the dwellers to form a behavior sequence that is synchronized with natural rhythms, thereby shaping human behavior and local culture in the regions; (4) the daylighting environment in traditional dwellings satisfies the demand for practical functions, embodying the organic integration between technical rationality and humanistic spirit. In summary, from the perspectives of spatial layout, seasonal adaptation, behavior guidance, and cultural expression, this research clarifies the characteristics, formation mechanism, and implicit relationship with local culture of the daylighting environment in traditional dwellings in the Yangtze River Delta. It provides a new perspective for understanding the ecological adaptability of regional traditional architecture and offers valuable insights and references for the development of green architecture nowadays.