Weaving with Light: Exploring Shadow and Sunlight through Textile Thinking in Architecture

This paper studies the influence of textiles on architectural responses to sunlight and shadow. In Indian textiles like Bandhani, Ajrakh, and Patola, the way light is modulated relies on thread density and the multiple layers of natural dyes. When these ideas are adapted to building design, they guide how façades filter daylight, form shadows, and affect the mood of interior spaces. The study suggests that light and shadow can be understood as interwoven elements that shape space, climate, and emotion. Through an analysis of literature and built examples, the study explores how textile-inspired façades and double-skin systems can produce breathable, climate-efficient, and aesthetically dynamic building envelopes that respond to the shifting path of the sun.