Analysis of the Users’ Perception of Daylighting in Newly Libraries of Algeria

Abstract

Libraries are symbols of knowledge, as they are the main resource of information. They also have significant social role, and a great effect on human mood and social behaviour. The design of libraries can enhance or hinder motivation for the student to use them not only during exams, but also in free time. The importance of daylight in buildings is nowadays of particular interest, in terms of visual comfort and well-being in particular in educational environment, such as libraries where appropriate daylight levels must be provided, to allow the users to carry out their work quickly and precisely, and to create a comfortable environment, suitable to prevent physical problems, scarcity of motivation and sleepiness. Several studies have also suggested that daylight may have a positive impact on student performance. In the current study, users' perception is examined using a questionnaire to investigate problems of natural lighting to contribute to enhance visual comfort, and satisfaction of library occupants with the qualities of their visual environment. The case study is a library representative of newly building facades in Algeria. Results analysis indicates that most of the participants felt very pleasant with lighting conditions overall in the library. However, the daylighting system still needs to be improved.

Linking Occupant Behavior and Window Design through Post-Occupancy Evaluation: Enhancing Natural Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

“…Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram outlining the criteria used for the post-occupancy evaluation (POE). Furthermore, the findings from the questionnaire study will inform the setup of configuration tests for future numerical studies, such as building energy simulations [64][65][66]. The identified significant factors and occupants' preferences can be used as input parameters for parametric simulations to optimize window design for natural ventilation and lighting while considering occupants' comfort and building energy efficiency.…”