Daylighting
Assistance with:
- Performance Targets
- Design Analysis
- LEED® Simulations
- Existing Conditions Evaluation
- Software: Daysim, Radiance, AGI32, EcoTech, IES-VE
- Training
The most abundant and predictable energy source is daylight. It is not only a free source of light, but is integral to the well being of people and the maintenance of circadian rhythms. Integrating high quality daylight into the built environment should be one of the top goals of any project.
The connection between human and natural habitats is a key element in providing a healthy indoor environment and improving occupant performance. We focus on improving the quality of daylighting through design analysis that goes well beyond the simplistic metric of quantity of daylight. As with any good lighting design issues dealing with uniformity, contrast, reflectance and glare must be addressed to provide superior daylighting performance.
The effective implementation of daylighting occurs at the concept design phase. To be most effective it needs to be in the “DNA” of the design and not treated as an after-thought. Our analysis begins with the establishment of daylighting performance targets and a careful examination of climate, site, orientation and building massing. This analysis informs design decisions including the development of elevations and space geometries.
During the schematic design phase, mass models can be used to identify which facades need further refinement to handle direct solar issues. Here is where it can be determined if the orientation of the building is correct or not.
Preliminary daylight analysis evaluates the daylighting strategies being implemented into the design. This video shows what daylight is still penetrating the space even with exterior shading and interior light shelves. Further revisions are needed to meet the performance goals.
Sectional cuts, such as in this video, allows the project team to determine if the work or the learning surfaces will be impacted by direct sun. This information can be used to either relocate the surfaces or handle the direct solar issues with the architecture, shading devices, or both.
