Modeling of advanced daylighting systems to imporove illuminance and uniformity in architectural design studios

Abstract

The daylighting performance is an important asset that deeply affects the occupant's visual comfort. In study and work environments, it is crucial to maintain adequate and uniformly distributed daylight. Deficiencies in daylighting conditions of these environments may cause health problems, work performance loss and excessive energy consumption. The varying nature of daylight in daily and yearly basis is a strong challenge on that matter. Advanced daylighting systems have been developed to overcome this challenge. Improving the daylighting performance of existing buildings is another difficulty in daylighting design, since the aspects like orientation, window area and surrounding elements affect indoor illuminance levels and uniformity. Thus, daylighting design needs should be carefully considered at the initial design stages of the buildings. Regarding to these, four architectural design studios facing southwest, southeast, northwest and northeast were selected in Izmir Institute of Technology Faculty of Architecture. In these studios, daylighting measurements including illuminance at specific points were conducted in May and June 2012. The aim of this thesis is to improve the illuminance and uniformity in the selected studios. Simulation models were built in Ecotect; and the field measurements were then used to validate the Ecotect model. To reach the best daylighting performance, simulations were carried out by Desktop Radiance with applying advanced daylighting systems, namely laser cut panels, prismatic panels and light shelves. The simulation findings were analyzed and discussed. It is considered that retrofitting efforts after the construction would be inadequate regarding daylighting, unless complying with the standards during the design process.