Daylighting Design

Artificial lighting accounts for about 20-30% of commercial building energy use. Effective daylighting reduces this dramatically while improving occupant health, productivity, and circadian rhythm regulation. Studies show that students in daylit classrooms score 7-18% higher on standardized tests. However, uncontrolled daylight causes glare on screens, thermal overheating from solar gain, and uneven illumination. The goal of daylighting design is to deliver consistent, diffuse natural light deep into the floor plate while blocking direct sun from creating hot spots and visual discomfort.