Obviously a modern system is going to have better control and range over temperature, but it does come at a cost. According to the link from datameta the older techniques do have a measurable effect.
"Scientists have recorded a temperature difference of 16C (29F) between the outside and inside of the visitor centre, despite the many bodies regularly passing through."
I imagine the best systems are the ones that combine both ideas. Such as Apple Park:
"A Building That Breathes: Between each floor of the building is a canopy that juts out, mainly to protect employees from the intense California sun. Tucked within each canopy is a ventilation system that funnels air in and out of the building. Apparently Jobs, who was not a fan of air conditioning, wanted his employees to feel any passing breeze as if they were sitting outside. Through a variety of sensors, the building can maintain a temperature of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, all by using an intake and release of natural air."
> I think it'd be fair to say that they don't make you 'dwell in darkness' as much as a solid wall would...
Especially if they are motorized. It's the only home automation thing that I actually find very useful in my home, which has huge glass windows, that I love.
I have a little process that checks the UV index level once an hour. If it's above 6 it closes them and if it's below 6 it opens them. I know UV index doesn't actually track temperature, etc. But it's a good enough proxy for the sun it up and it's bright. And it does a good job of keeping the windows unblocked during mornings and evenings.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210810-the-ancient-pers...
"Scientists have recorded a temperature difference of 16C (29F) between the outside and inside of the visitor centre, despite the many bodies regularly passing through."
I imagine the best systems are the ones that combine both ideas. Such as Apple Park:
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/apples-new-campus-...
"A Building That Breathes: Between each floor of the building is a canopy that juts out, mainly to protect employees from the intense California sun. Tucked within each canopy is a ventilation system that funnels air in and out of the building. Apparently Jobs, who was not a fan of air conditioning, wanted his employees to feel any passing breeze as if they were sitting outside. Through a variety of sensors, the building can maintain a temperature of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, all by using an intake and release of natural air."