Lichthof

Lichthof is a German architectural term referring to a light court or light well—an interior space that is open to the sky and surrounded by building on multiple sides. It functions as a source of daylight and natural ventilation for rooms that would otherwise lack exterior windows. Lichthöfe are commonly found in traditional urban residences, palaces, cloisters, and public buildings, where dense massing or interior courtyards would otherwise create dark interiors.

Typically, a Lichthof is rectangular or irregular in plan and may extend across several floors. The roof opening can be fully open to the sky or covered by a glass or translucent material to provide weather protection while admitting light. In historic structures, Lichthöfe helped illuminate corridors, stairwells, and inner rooms in buildings with deep floor plans. They can also serve as quiet interior courtyards that enhance social or ceremonial functions.

In modern architecture, Lichthöfe are frequently designed with skylights or glazed roofs to maximize daylight while preserving weather protection. They may also host balconies, gardens, or seating areas and are used to organize circulation and create visual connections between different floors. The concept supports daylight distribution, passive cooling, and improved psychological comfort in deep-plan buildings.

In English-language texts, the concept is commonly translated as light court, light well, or atrium, depending on size and openness. The term remains a standard descriptive element in German-speaking architectural discourse and in the documentation of heritage buildings where original light-giving courtyards are preserved.