Day lighting

Day lighting principles, day light factor, Components

of daylight factor - the sky component, the internal
and external reflected Component, glare,
recommended levels of illumination for different
types of building interiors.
• It is the primary requisite of life
• It is a prime animator of the space
• Light is characterized by frequency, or more commonly, by wavelength
• It is a form of energy that is part of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human
eye.
• Visible light spans from 400 nm to 700 nm
– or 0.4 m to 0.7 m; 0.0004 mm to 0.0007 mm, etc.
We perceive the various wavelengths as different colors. The longest wavelength (which
corresponds to the lowest frequency) is seen by us as the color red followed by the
known colors of the rainbow: orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet which is the
shortest wavelength(and highest frequency).
Wavelengths which we are unable to perceive (occurring just below the red and just
above the violet area), are the infrared and ultraviolet rays, respectively.

Spring 2008 2
Light plays a central role in the design of a visual environment.
• The architecture, people and objects are all made visible by the
lighting.
• It is light that first enables “what you see”.
• Our perception of architecture will be influenced by light:
– Light defines zones and boundaries,
– Light expands and accentuates rooms,
– Light creates links and delineates one area from another,
– Light create impressions of a space
THE UNIQUE QUALITIES OF DAYLIGHT
 Materials in relation to Light
• Opaque – Impenetrable to light
• Translucent – Transmitting and diffusing light so that bodies on the
opposite side are not clearly visible – frosted glass
• Transparent – Capable of transmitting light so that bodies situated
beyond or behind can be distinctly seen – glass
• Specular Surface: A glossy or specular surface reflects light like a
mirror. Specular materials include enamel paint, stainless steel,
polished plastics, polished stone and oiled wood
• Matte Surface: Light falling on a matte reflective surface bounces
off in a diffuse pattern. Common matte surfaces include rough brick,
concrete, white plaster, flat paint, low gloss plastics and unfinished
wood.
 Light shelf

A light shelf is a horizontal surface that reflects daylight deep into a building. Light
shelves are placed above eye-level and have high-reflectance upper surfaces, which
reflect daylight onto the ceiling and deeper into the space.
Light tubes
• light tubes, also called solar tubes, placed into a roof and admitting light to a focused
area of the interior. These somewhat resemble recessed light fixtures in the ceiling.
They do not allow as much heat transfer as skylights because they have less
exposed surface area.
Light tube