A clerestory is a high section of wall with windows placed above eye level, designed to bring natural light (and sometimes fresh air) deep into a building’s interior.

Basic meaning

  • In architecture, a clerestory is any raised wall that continues above adjacent roofs or ceilings and contains windows to light the space below.
  • The windows are set high, so they brighten large or deep rooms without sacrificing privacy or usable wall space at eye level.

Where you’ll see it

  • Historically, clerestories were used in ancient Egyptian temples, Roman basilicas, and later Romanesque and Gothic churches to illuminate tall naves.
  • Today, architects also use clerestory windows in modern houses, airports, galleries, and even rail cars to get soft top‑side daylight and passive ventilation.

Why architects like clerestories

  • They channel natural light into otherwise dark interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting and emphasizing vertical space.
  • Positioned correctly, they can help with passive climate control: warm air can vent out while cooler air is drawn in from lower openings.

TL;DR: A clerestory is that raised “strip” of high windows near the top of a wall or roof that makes big interior spaces feel bright, airy, and taller.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.