The Role of Light Shelf and Window Size on Daylight Performance of an Architecture Studio

Abstract

Daylight affects our health and comfort. Recently, occupants face thermal and visual comfort problems due to the lack of solar control elements and improper design decisions of glazed surfaces. Recent studies show that solar control systems and window-based variables are some of the most significant variables which influence daylight performance. This study aims to test various combinations of window sizes and light shelf scenarios for a uniform distribution of daylight and visual comfort of occupants in two architecture studios in the İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) Campus. In scenarios; window size and location, exterior and interior light shelves’ height, incline angle, and materials are tested. It is concluded that variables significantly improved the uniform distribution of daylight of both studios and sun patch areas of the south/east-oriented studio. Also, the artificial light requirement of the south/west-oriented studio is improved by 29.36% and 31.75% for the 21st of June and December respectively.