7 DAYLIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR BUILDING

Summary

This video from Architect 24/7 covers daylighting techniques in building design. Daylighting systems utilize natural light to create better indoor environments, potentially saving 20-40% of energy depending on the building's location and orientation. The video explains two types of daylighting systems: top light (using skylights) and side light (using windows). It introduces seven passive daylighting techniques: building orientation, windows, skylights, clerestories, light shelves, solar tubes, and light wall colors. Top light systems tend to distribute light more evenly than side light systems, which may require shades to reduce glare. The video encourages viewers to engage and share their thoughts.

Takeaways

• 💡 Daylighting systems harness natural light to create a more desirable indoor environment and can save 20-40% of energy depending on the building's location and orientation.
• 🏠 Daylighting techniques fall into two categories: top lighting (skylights) and side lighting (windows or other openings).
• ☀️ Top light systems, like skylights, bring light from the top of a building, providing uniform lighting across horizontal surfaces and walls, similar to electric lighting.
• 🪟 Side light systems bring daylight through windows or openings from the side of a building, but they don't offer as much uniform lighting or deep penetration into the building.
• 🔧 Seven passive daylighting techniques include: 1) Building orientation, 2) Windows, 3) Skylights, 4) Clerestories, 5) Light shelves, 6) Solar tubes, 7) Light wall colors.
• 🎨 Using light wall colors can help reflect and enhance daylight in the interior of a building.
• 🌞 Top light systems are generally more efficient and easier to implement compared to side light systems for providing uniform lighting.
• 🔆 Side light systems may require window treatments like shades or blinds to prevent glare, as daylight can be harsh and uneven.
• 🪴 Daylighting techniques not only improve energy efficiency but also enhance the comfort and quality of indoor spaces.
• 📺 The video encourages viewers to engage by liking, subscribing, and commenting to receive more content related to architecture and lighting.

Q & A

What is daylighting in buildings?

Daylighting in buildings refers to the practice of using natural light to illuminate indoor spaces, creating a more desirable environment and potentially reducing energy consumption by 20 to 40 percent.

What are the two categories of daylighting systems?

Daylighting systems fall into two categories: top lighting, which brings light from the top of a building, and side lighting, which lets daylight in through windows or other openings on the sides of the building.

How does a top light system work?

A top light system uses skylights to bring natural light into the building from above, providing uniform lighting on horizontal surfaces and walls, similar to electric lighting.

What are some examples of side lighting systems?

Side lighting systems include windows or other side openings that allow natural light to enter a building from the sides.

Why is a top light system generally more effective than a side light system?

Top light systems are more effective because they provide uniform lighting from above, whereas side light systems may not create evenly lit workspaces and allow less light to penetrate deeper into the building.

What are the challenges of using side light systems?

Side light systems may not provide uniform lighting, and occupants often need window treatments, such as shades or blinds, to prevent glare. Additionally, daylight may not penetrate as deeply into the building as with top lighting.

What are the seven passive daylighting techniques mentioned in the video?

The seven passive daylighting techniques are: 1) Building orientation, 2) Windows, 3) Skylights, 4) Clerestories, 5) Light shelves, 6) Solar tubes, and 7) Light wall colors.

What is the benefit of using skylights in a daylighting system?

Skylights in a top light system allow natural light to enter from above, creating uniform lighting across the interior space and enhancing the overall indoor environment.

Why is building orientation important in daylighting?

Building orientation is important in daylighting because it determines how much sunlight a building receives throughout the day, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the daylighting system.

How can light wall colors contribute to daylighting?

Light wall colors can enhance daylighting by reflecting more natural light throughout the space, making the interior feel brighter and more open without the need for additional artificial lighting.