Daylighting & Glare

Daylighting:

Daylighting is the process of using natural light to provide the required lighting needed for essential activities. In other words, a building is considered "daylit" if natural light is the primary source of daytime illumination.

Daylighting can include placing windows, transparent media, reflective surfaces, and other design elements to allow natural light to be properly filtered and illuminate the building during the day.

Balance Daylighting vs Artificial

Interior lighting systems should (in most typical designs) strike a delicate balance between exterior natural daylighting and artificial lighting. There are lots of pieces that affect daylighting, and all of those variables must be balanced against the potential disadvantages that some of those variables may present. For example, large areas of glazing can lead to unwanted glare making work uncomfortable, and potentially increase unwanted heat loss and heat gain.

• Unwanted solar gain (particularly during the summer months) may also add to the heat load, so this should be balanced.
• Sawtooth skylights - North faced glazing is a great way to naturally daylight a space. North light is the most even light and best for artist studios and similar spaces.
• Interior window shading devices (shades, curtains) - allow occupants to adjust and control solar gain.

Economic Considerations:

• Electric lighting and the cooling needed to offset the heat generated from the light typically accounts for 30 to 40% of a commercial building's energy use, and can be as high as 50%.
• In order for a daylit space to function economically and for its inhabitants, it should be connected to the lighting system with automatic switching/dimming should be employed.
• Daylit spaces can increase occupant satisfaction and productivity. Well-daylighted spaces therefore can make it easier to lease space and reduce tenant turnover.