Natural 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 reflectors

Once in extensive use in office buildings, the

adjustable light reflector is seldom seen, having
been supplanted by a combination of other
methods in concert with artificial illumination.
The reflector found favor where the choices of
artificial light provided poor illumination
compared to modern electric lighting.
 Skylights
Skylights - horizontal windows or domes
placed at the roof of buildings - are often used
for daylighting.

White translucent acrylic is a 'Lambertian

Diffuser' meaning transmitted light is perfectly
diffused and distributed evenly over affected
areas. This means, among other advantages,
that light source quality standards are A skylight and the optimal placement
measured relative to white acrylic transmission. thereof
White acrylic domes provide even light
distribution throughout the day,

. Skylights admit more light per unit area than

windows, and distribute it more evenly over a
space.. The optimum number of skylights
(usually quantified as "effective aperture")
varies according to climate, latitude, and the
characteristics of the skylight, but is usually 4-
8% of floor area.
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. It is also easier to retrofit light tubes into existing buildings,
especially those with deep roof constructions.
Light tube
Sawtooth Roof
Saw-tooth apertures are a top-lighting
technique formed from a vertical glass
element and a sloping roof. The light
distribution element can be light-colored
baffles or the sloping ceiling itself.
The daylight distribution due to a saw-
tooth roof-lighting system.
 Hot dry climates

Glare from sunlit surfaces Reflected light diffused by the ceiling

Warm humid climates