The objective of this research is the investigation of lighting primarily as a natural phenomenon, secondly in relation to architecture and finally in relation to museums and exhibition halls. The project is divided in three parts:

On the introductional part about light there is an attempt to detect the characteristics of natural and artificial light and its relationship to the building. The decisions made by the architect during the first stages of design are the ones that determine the relationship between the building and natural light. Matters of orientation, building plan and section, position of the openings, shading devices, type of glass and ligthing fixtures are being examined.

The second part includes a specialization about museum lighting. Due to their special function, each museum requires individual handling on the subject of lighting. Moreover it is being investigated whether natural lighting can be an effective solution for this type of building on the base of architectural, functional and cost - energy criteria, that primarily protect and preserve the nature of the exhibits. There is a presentation of internationally - famous museums that use natural lighting systems.

As a conclusion there is the study of the lighting system for an exhibition hall. The exhibition hall is created in a former industrial building situated in the city of Volos. The proposal aims to create a lighting system that receives natural light from side openings and through reflections it directs light to the center of the building towards the exhibits. The three dimensional nature of the exhibits is going to be highlighted by the beams of natural light falling on them. There is no need for huge reduction of lighting levels since the exhibits do not show significant sensitivity to natural light and to photochemical reaction. The system can be modified depending on the location and position of openings ande serve as an example application for similar buildings.