DAYLIGHTING

Introduction

• The practice of using natural sunlight to illuminate the interior spaces of

buildings.
• Daylighting describes the controlled use of natural light in and around
buildings.
• It is the practice of placing windows, or other transparent media and reflective
surfaces so that natural light provides effective internal illumination during the
day.
• Successful daylighting requires design considerations at all stages of the
building design process, from site planning to architectural, interior and
lighting design.
Components of Daylight

Daylight in buildings is composed of a mix – direct sunlight, diffuse skylight, and

light reflected from the ground and surrounding elements.

Light from the sun is

intense and directional.

Light from the sky is soft

and diffuse.

Light reflected from the

ground can often account
for 15% or more of the
total daylight reaching a
building facade.
Benefits of Daylighting

Aesthetics and Visual Comfort:

• Soft, diffused natural light enhances the appearance of indoor spaces.
• Creates dynamic and changing patterns of light and shadow, adding visual
interest.
Energy Efficiency:
• Reduced need for artificial lighting during the day lowers energy consumption.
• Decreased reliance on artificial lighting reduces greenhouse gas emissions and
utility costs.

Good quality lighting should include lighting for health, in parallel with meeting
the other needs of people who will occupy the space.
Human Well being and Productivity

Circadian Rhythm:
• Exposure to natural daylight helps regulate the body's internal clock.
• Enhances sleep patterns, mood, and overall well-being.

Productivity and Learning:

• Studies show that well-lit environments boost concentration and cognitive
performance.
• Daylit educational spaces have been linked to improved student learning
outcomes.
Environmental Sustainability

Reduced Carbon Footprint:

• Less reliance on artificial lighting and reduced energy consumption.
• Contributes to lowering a building's overall environmental impact.

Green Building Certification:

• Daylighting strategies often contribute to earning points for sustainable
building certifications.
• Demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Design Considerations

Building Orientation and Layout:

• Positioning of the building in relation to the sun's path affects the availability
of daylight.
• Proper orientation can optimize the amount of sunlight entering the building.

Window Placement and Size:

• Placement of windows based on the sun's movement and the purpose of the
space.
• Larger windows on the south side for more direct sunlight, smaller windows
on the west to prevent overheating.
Design Considerations
Overcoming Challenges

Glare and Heat Control:

• Use of shading devices, such as louvers, blinds, or overhangs, to manage
excessive light and heat.
• Selective use of glazing materials with solar control properties.

Daylight Uniformity:
• Proper arrangement of reflective surfaces to distribute light evenly.
• Combining both direct and indirect daylighting techniques.
Overcoming Challenges
Sources of Daylight in Buildings

Windows:- Windows are the main source of daylight inside any space.
Naturally, bigger windows admit more daylight. But the height of the windows is
the more significant factor in getting the daylight deep into the interior. The
higher the space, the farther will be the daylight penetration.
Sources of Daylight in Buildings

Light shelves:- A light shelf is a horizontal plane placed below the top of
a window, usually just above door height, allowing light to be reflected from its
upper surface to the ceiling level. The light shelf can be placed entirely outside or
in a combination of outside and inside. When the top surface of the light shelf is
exposed to direct sunlight, it reflects daylight onto the interior ceiling and thus
extends light farther into the room.
Sources of Daylight in Buildings

Skylights:- Even under an overcast sky, the illumination falling on the horizontal
plane of the roof may be many times greater than that which strikes the vertical
plane of a window. To allow the eye to adjust to the bright sky lighting source,
some shadowing and reflecting surfaces are needed.
Skylights reduce energy consumption by reducing the need for electric lighting
and heat in winters.
Sources of Daylight in Buildings

Clerestories:- Clerestories have many of the attributes of skylights except that

they occur in the vertical rather than the horizontal plane and, therefore, are
exposed to less quantity of direct daylight than skylights.
A clerestory, when combined with an interior reflector or light shelf, can bounce
large amounts of direct sunlight against the ceiling, providing significant levels of
illumination for the tasks below.
Sources of Daylight in Buildings
Daylight Intensities in Different Conditions
Innovative Daylight Technologies

Light Tubes (Solatube):

• Tubular devices that capture sunlight on the roof and channel it into interior
spaces.
• Effective for rooms without direct access to exterior walls.

Dynamic Façades:
• Electrochromic or photochromic glazing that adjusts its transparency in
response to sunlight intensity.
• Provides control over the amount of light entering the building.
Innovative Daylight Technologies

Dynamic Facade
Case Studies

The Louvre Pyramid, Paris

• Designed by I.M. Pei, the pyramid's glass structure allows daylight to filter
into the underground galleries.
• Blends modern aesthetics with historical architecture.
Case Studies

Apple Park, Cupertino

Foster + Partners' design prioritizes natural light with its curved glass façade and
central courtyard.
Daylighting contributes to the building's energy-efficient design.
THANK YOU