The assessment of vertical daylight factors across the walls of atrium buildings, Part 1: Square atria

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of well geometry and surface reflectance on the vertical daylight factors of walls in atria with square plan forms under a CIE standard overcast sky. Artificial sky scale model measurements were used to validate predicted values of vertical daylight factors using the software package Radiance. More simulated vertical daylight factors data for a much wider range of square atrium geometries and surface reflectances were then produced. From the results the variations of the vertical daylight factor on the walls of square atria were assessed and explained and some empirical functions derived. Some guidelines for supporting design are presented.

A Case Study on Multi-Objective Optimization Design of College Teaching Building Atrium in Cold Regions Based on Passive Concept

“…Building Type Design Parameter Objective [26] Unspecified Atrium geometry (aspect ratio), surface reflectance Daylight [23] Office buildings…”

“…In recent years, research on atrium design factors has predominantly concentrated on three key categories: building form factors, envelope and fenestration factors, and various other factors. In the realm of atrium building form factors, the parameters under scrutiny encompass atrium type [27,28,36], geometric shape [26,29,32], orientation, scale [37], and a host of other considerations (as outlined in Table 1). As for atrium envelope and fenestration factors, prior investigations have primarily emphasized key design elements such as the window-to-wall ratio [29,33], skylight-to-roof ratio [18], skylight shape and dimensions, as well as the thickness of exterior insulation panels [28], among other pertinent aspects.…”

Investigating the effect of well geometry on the daylight performance in the adjoining spaces of vertical top-lit atrium buildings

“…1,3 The importance of daylight in an atrium's environmental performance has led to several investigations concerning atrium daylighting in the space of atrium and its adjoining spaces, since the 1980s. 4,5 The reviews indicated that much of the research investigating daylight in atria has tended to focus upon illuminance levels on the atrium space (light box); however, studies relating to daylight levels in adjacent spaces around light box are less common. 1,6,7 The potential of an atrium to save lighting energy relies on the ability of daylight from the atrium well to displace or reduce artificial lighting in the adjoining spaces of atrium.…”