RECORD ARCHITECTURAL CONSTRAINTS

1. Articulation of space

The surfaces inside a building should be arranged so as to direct daylight to the user. In the example on the right of the Mount Angel library by Alvar Aalto, the sloped, white ceiling soffit diffuses the daylight from the clerestory windows onto the walls and the desk. This results in a well-lit environment, with reduced brightness contrast to the sky [1].

Figure L-AC1. Articulation of spaces to maximize daylight distribution [2].

2. Building massing

Narrow forms with exterior openings are easiest to illuminate with natural light. To use daylight effectively in multistory buildings, narrow plans ensure that work areas are daylit. Hence, "finger" shaped plans are desirable if a straight plan is not possible [3].

Figure L-AC2. Massing of buildings to maximize daylight [4].

3. Building width

Typical pre-1950 office building (half section) allowed side light and ventilation penetration through transparent partitions and open transoms as shown in the image on the right. The "15/30" rule of thumb can be used in buildings, where 15-foot perimeter zone is task lit primarily by daylight, while the next fifteen partially daylit with supplemental electric lighting [5].

4. Building height

Daylight can be maximized with articulation of roof area through skylights in existing buildings.

Figure L-AC4. Daylighting distribution through skylights in existing building envelopes [7].