The aim was to investigate the perception of whiteness in Nordic architecture and analyse the reasonsbehind the pale colour scheme in a public space context. The word pale was used alongsidewith white, since it gave broader possibilities to ponder over the topic. The geographical researcharea was framed to cover Sweden and Finland, although the search for underlying reasons extendedbeyond the borders of the North. Architecture was viewed as an entity, including both exteriors andinteriors. The focus was on reasoning around the question “why” to arouse professional discourseabout the often-unquestioned topic. Analysing the background of a commonly acknowledged phenomenonstrives to make architects more conscious of the background of their aesthetics so thatfuture decisions can be based on a more complex set of knowledge rather than leaning on tradition.Because of the wide demarcation of the research question, the project started with self-formulatedhypothesis, after which they were thoroughly analysed. The formulated pre-assumptions were, thatthe Nordic paleness is, firstly, a consequence of misinterpreted past architecture. Moreover, naturalcircumstances of the North, the symbolism connected to white and the tradition of canonisingmodernism were established as hypothesis. Lastly, architect education, combined with the tendencyof prototyping with white materials were assumed to endorse the pale colour scheme. The misinterpretations’possible implication in the perception of whiteness was also examined as a part of the research.Justification for the hypothesis was found, although broad framing meant that the referencematerial was splintered. Personal reflection was used as a means for cohesion. The paper includes aconcise artistic element in the form of an introductory poem to each chapter. / Batchelor's thesis for Aalto university

This thesis examines daylight utilization in Nordic home environments without artificial lighting. One of the aims is to save energy and create healthy living spaces that fully harness daylight benefits. The research question focuses on how to effectively use daylight as the sole illumination source for functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing homes. Existing guidelines overlook the importance of daylight in homes and fail to consider human preferences, resulting in a research gap. To address this, this thesis conducts an analysis of three existing buildings and presents a design project that specifically focuses on building orientation, openings, and materials. Daylight calculations are conducted based on the proposed design. The key findings emphasize that a home without artificial light can be easily achieved during the summer months through strategic room placement, incorporation of skylight windows, and utilization of various window types. Material selection is crucial in creating a comfortable atmosphere while maximizing daylight transmission for optimal lighting. These findings highlight the importance of considering unique daylight conditions in Nordic countries and aligning designs with individual preferences. The study contributes by emphasizing the need for optimal daylight solutions that enhance energy efficiency, well-being, and user satisfaction in home environments.