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Abstract - Daylight has been seen as a creative element influences the overall planning and design. To obtain a
throughout architectural history, which influences the built reasonable lighting, consideration over the climate, the use
form and the spatial quality of any building. Only that, its form of the space and its speciality of visual work are taken into
or method of usage has been varied in the subsequent era in account. Daylight as two distinctive sources of light:
accordance to the socio economic conditions. Natural light
acts as a visual element which enhances the overall perception 1. Sunlight - That fraction of parallel rays of solar
of the space. This paper states the importance of natural light
radiation, reaching the earth’s surface after certain
in architecture and the design criteria under which it can be
diminution by the atmosphere (direct component)
efficiently utilized in the built forms, from the first step which
affects the designer decision for form, proportion, location of 2. Skylight - That fraction of solar radiation, reaching
the opening and the building orientation; especially dealing the earth’s surface as a result of dispersion in the
with the design criteria of Tamil Nadu region which atmosphere. (diffused component)
experiences a warm humid climate where the annual
Fundamental aspects of architectural lighting design:
temperature ranges between 38o C to 20o C, with an average
humidity of 67%
Aesthetic appeal – a feature important in the
illumination of indoor environment.
Key Words: Daylight, Design criteria, Fenestration, Interior
Ergonomic aspect - the measure of how much of
illumination, Warm humid climate.
function the lighting plays.
Energy efficiency - to ensure optimum lighting in
1.0 INTRODUCTION
the interior, avoiding unwanted lighting or more
The essential element that enhances the spatial quality of a illumination than the required task.
building in architecture is light. Lighting plays its role over 2.1 NEED FOR DAYLIGHT
the distribution or occurrence of features such as brightness,
shadows, color, their distribution and even many other On a practical note, daylight has the ability to satisfy
aspects influencing our visual experience and taking a lead biological and human need by means of its proper utilization.
over the psychophysical well-being of the individual and the In general, lighting consumes about 25% - 40% of electricity
atmospheric character. This natural daylight varies with its in any building. Use of daylight can save or reduce it to half
intensity and character at various regions, according to their of its total energy consumption. It can also reduce the
location with respect to the equator. heating and cooling energy consumption in comparison to
electrical lighting.
Due to the geographical location, Tamil Nadu experiences a
warm humid climate. The solar radiation in this region is 2.2 GOALS OF DAYLIGHT
intense and to a great extent diffused, thus producing sky
glare. Here the temperature difference is minimal, so wind is The main goal of daylight is to bring in light deeper into the
light or even non- existent for longer period. building in order to raise the illumination level and to reduce
the illumination gradient across the room. The second goal
2.0 DAYLIGHT IN ARCHITECTURE deals with the reduction of direct glare of unprotected
horizontal and vertical openings. The third goal is to have a
Natural light acts as a language of communication and a control over the brightness ratio, especially caused by direct
medium of understanding the space by relishing over its sunlight on or near the working plane. The fourth goal aims
interpretation of form, texture and color in architecture. to prevent or minimize veiling reflections from skylights and
Natural light gives an immortal identity to architecture. The high windows. By multiplying the reflections over the ceiling
manipulation of light in different ways gives a varied and wall, the light can be diffused, thus satisfying the fifth
impression over the buildings. The extent of its availability goal. The sixth goal is to utilize the aesthetic and functional
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1381
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
potential of daylight to the fullest in spaces accompanying In the building interior, the ceiling has got the most
critical visual tasks. important light reflecting surface. High reflectance paints
and ceiling tiles with 0.90 or high reflectance values are
2.3 NATURE OF DAYLIGHT available, which when designed or positioned towards the
daylight source, creates a brighter indoor environment.
The daylight entering an opening can have various sources -
direct sunlight, clear sky, clouds, or reflections from the Light reflecting proportions in the building interior are in
ground and nearby buildings. The light from each source the range as follows- Ceilings: > 90% , Walls: 50-70%,
varies not only in quantity but also in qualities such as color, Floors: 20-40% and Furnishings: 25-45%.
diffusion range, and efficacy. Each source of light has its own
range of delivery. The two extreme conditions of daylight are 2.4 DAYLIGHT FACTOR Vs DAYLIGHT
overcast sky and clear sky with sunlight. Clear sky produces AVAILABILITY
high illumination which is 100 to 200 times greater than the
required amount of light in the indoor. Day lighting remains The daylight factor is a very common and easy method used
very high during the mid day. Under such conditions, a 1sq ft to measure the quality of daylight in a room/building under
(0.6 sq m) window could illuminate over 250 sqft (23 sq m) an overcast sky. The higher the DF, the more is the
of floor area. Even on overcast days, the same window could
availability of natural light. Expressed as:
illuminate about 50 sqft (4.5 sq m) of floor area. Clear blue
sky produces daylight of diffused form and of reduced
DF = (Ei / Eo) x 100%
brightness, while direct sunlight is directional and extremely
bright.
Ei - Illuminance due to daylight at a point on the indoor
working plane.
Fig -1: Sources of daylight The light received directly from the sky(sky
component) (ED)
Positioning and material selection in the interior of building The light received directly by reflection from
helps to illuminate by light reflectance. The reflectance factor buildings and obstructions outside the room. (EER)
of various materials is shown in table-1. The light received directly by reflection from
surfaces inside the room. (EIR)
Table -1: Reflectance factor for various materials
Material Reflectance (Percent) Hence, the daylight factor can be expressed as the sum of
Aluminum, reflector 90 – 98
three components:
Aluminum, polished 70 – 85
Asphalt 10
Brick, red 25 – 45 DF = DC + ERC + IRC
Concrete 30 – 50
Glass Clear or tinted 7 DC - Direct component
Reflective 20 – 40 ERC - Externally reflected component
Grass Dark green 10 IRC - Internally reflected component
Dry 35
Mirror (glass) 80 – 90 Table -2: Average daylight factor
Paint Black 4 Average DF Appearance Energy implications
White 70 – 90
Porcelain enamel (white) 60 – 90 Electric lighting needed
Snow 60 – 75 < 2% room looks gloomy
most of the day
Stone 5 – 50
Vegetation, average 25
Predominantly day Good balance between
Wood 5 – 40
2% to 5% lit appearance,but lighting and thermal
supplementary aspects
artificial lighting is
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1382
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Table -4: Average illumination level In architecture, fenestration refers to the arrangement,
Spaces Illumination (lux) proportion, design of window, skylight and door system
within a building which acts as a means of admitting solar
Hall 500 – 1000
radiation for natural lighting, referred to as day lighting.
Kitchen 150 - 500
Fenestrations can be broadly classified into two main types:
Dining 150 - 300
Side lighting [windows]
Bedroom 150 - 200 Top lighting [skylight]
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1383
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
I - Side Lighting:
The vertical fenestration introduced to the building tends to
produce light that can be too bright causing glare, where
provision of desirable view makes it acceptable. Side light
aperture can be measured by calculating the Window-to-
Wall Ratio (WWR) or Window-to-Floor Ratio (WFR). While
calculating, only the transparent part of the window (i.e) the Fig -2: Recommended spacing for skylights with high
“net glazing area” is taken into count (usually 80% of the windows as a function of ceiling height.
gross window area). Whether it is the calculation of wall
ratio (exterior height) or floor ratio, the total surface area is
considered. The calculation involves the multiplication of the B) Clerestory Window:
These are vertical glazing, located high overhead. South
Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) with Window-to-Floor
facing clerestories can be shaded with overhangs when
Ratio (WFR). Calculated as, properly designed. North clerestory (angled clerestory) can
reflect light deep into the room. It is usually best to have
0.15 < VLT x WFR < 0.18 and 0.20 < WWR < 0.30 clerestories face either north or south, depending on the
(Preferably 0.24) climate.
II - Top Lighting:
IV - Shading Devices:
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1384
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
V - Shadows:
Heat absorption and heat storage are avoided, and the use of
low thermal mass, high reflective outer surfaces or double-
Fig -6: Building orientation along the wind direction.
skin structures is recommended. Temperature at the interior
level can be maintained by the proper designing of
ventilation and utilisation of air movement at increased Cross-ventilation acts more effective in interior spaces by
velocity, which takes the advantage of reduction in heat and enlarging the openings of the internal partitions and by
compresses the humidity level. providing free passage, courtyards, verandah, etc. Houses
over raised platform facilitates with better ventilation.
Continuous circulation of air enhances the space with
3.1 Settlement Planning and Design appropriate temperature and humidity.
I - Sun orientation
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1385
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Forms with large surface areas are preferred to compact Due to the characters of solar radiation, shading devices are
buildings. This favours ventilation and heat emission at night demanded. A low cost solution for creating a shading device
time. Two or three floors are recommended as taller is by providing vegetation rich environment, creating a
buildings have too much radiant heat and also obstruct air micro climate. They are designed in such a way that it does
flow to neighbouring buildings. not hinder the air movement.
Fig -9: (a) – Ordinary louvers, (b) – Modified louvers Incorporations of high trees with wide, shading canopies in
landscape designing provide significant protection from
Jalli works can act as an alternate to windows at appropriate solar radiation. Before reaching the buildings, air should not
places as a main source of opening. Shading devices provided be allowed to pass through the unshaded pavement, as it
should be much larger as the radiation is diffused, provided drives in hot air.
it obstructs the sky and not just the sun.
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1386
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 03 Issue: 12 | Dec -2016 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS [2] Koenigsberger OH, Ingersoll TG, Mayhew Alan,
Utilization of natural day light improves the quality and Szokolay SV., Manual of tropical housing and
standard of the building in relation to the design strategies building -climatic design. Orient longman private
and enhances the aesthetic factor, creating a visual limited; 1975.
experience. It is an element which has an influence over the
psychophysical wellbeing of an individual by the appropriate [3] Aravind Krishnan, Nick baker, Simas Yannas, SV
use of the natural light through fenestration, shading devices Szokolay, climate responsive architecture: A design
and incorporation of the perfect ratios of its characters. handbook for Energy efficient buildings, Mcgraw
Considering the design criteria for warm humid climate Hill Education (India) Private Limited, 2001.
especially in Tamil Nadu, the buildings are to be oriented in
[4] Norbert Lechner, Heating, cooling, lighting _
accordance to the sun and wind direction, utilizing its
sustainable design, fourth edition
advantageous factor to its fullest. Water bodies are not to be
added as they would tend to further increase the humidity [5] Karen Kensek and Jae Yong Suk, Journal of Creative
content in the atmosphere. To encourage the air flow, the Sustainable Architecture & Built Environment,
streets are to be oriented parallel to the prevailing wind CSABE Vol. 1, November, 2011 (clear and
direction. North – south orientation favours the blocking up overcast sky)
of the direct solar radiation. Mutual shading can be achieved
at the streetscape level by the choice of suitable road width. [6] http://www.beaconlightingtradeclub.com.au/medi
For uninterrupted air movement, free planning of buildings a/ Assets / LUX_Levels_Chart.pdf
and large open spaces are recommended. The form of the
building can be narrow and linear to facilitate cross [7] https://www.kellwood.co.uk/led-
ventilation. Areas with high heat and moisture content such lighting/technical/ cibse- recommended-lux-levels
as toilets and kitchens must be properly ventilated and can
[8] http://www.slideshare.net/AnanthShayan/warm-
also be separated from the main structure. Open spaces such
and- humid-climate-55783434?qid=ce4c727c-
as balconies, verandahs, porches and courtyards can be
7712-415e- a2b9-
increased in number. A courtyard helps to draw away the
aeb2e224f926&v=&b=&from_search=4 (design)
rising heat and they are to be provided with vents at higher
levels. To shelter the spaces from sun and rain and to have a [9] http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/
control over the air flow, venetian blinds and louvers can be en/d/Jsk02ce/3.4.html (design)
installed. The interior and exterior surfaces can be painted
with appropriate light colors and surface finishes or [10] https://www.noao.edu/education/QLTkit/ACTIVIT
reflecting materials can be used to reduce heat gain of the Y_Documents/Safety/LightLevels_outdoor+indoor.p
building. The passive techniques to lower the indoor df (lux)
temperature are found to be cost effective.
BIOGRAPHIES
5.0 CONCLUSION C.V.Subramanian is an Associate
Thus by understanding these criteria’s and its proper Professor in the Department of
application, enhances the spaces and creates a comfortable Architecture, Periyar Maniammai
zone without any mechanical devices or with minimum use. University. He has 19 years of
experience in this field. His area of
While designing the buildings, both Architects and Civil
interest is Energy and Buildings.
engineers should take care of adequate daylight inside the
building, improve the productivity levels and keep the S.Kamalesvari is a final year
indoor in comfortable conditions in a natural way student in the Department of
contributing towards energy conservation and sustainable Architecture, Periyar Maniammai
architecture. University. She is doing her special
study on Daylight in Architecture
REFERENCES for her Thesis project.
© 2016, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 4.45 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1387