Grand Central Station is a prime example of how natural light was strongly considered in the buildings initial design. The first photograph is from the 1920s, when light still streamed into the common area of the station. The middle photograph is recent, and shows how natural light no longer streams into the station, and the third photo shows why the natural light is gone: taller buildings. It is a shame that when the new taller buildings were constructed, they did not consider the timeless beauty of Grand Central Station.
Light in interior spaces is crucial to the integrity and design of a space. Light can enhance the overall mood of a space, making it dreamier or darker; light can also make a space feel more modern or historical. This heavy amount of control that light has is can make or break a space. And in the instance of GCS, it was a crucial part of its initial design, until the city out grew it.
Images: Getty, Flickr
