The popularity of the atria after its revival since the 1970's has caught the attention of designers and opened ways for new strategies of energy conservation for large buildings. Early atria were visual statements rather than integrated energy systems. But a growing recognition of the contribution of daylight for energy conservation in atria requires study in greater depth to exploit the potential of the atrium in the use of daylight for energy conservation. Present methods for calculating daylight distribution in conventionally designed buildings are not presently configured to deal with atria. This study takes advantage of scale model simulation process to develop a mathematical model which will predict daylight distribution in a square atrium under an overcast sky. Data generated from twelve model studies representing thirty six cases were analyzed using statistical methods as a measure to develop the mathematical model. The mathematical model developed has the ability to predict illumination level on the vertical surface at different floor locations in a square type atrium within the specified limitations. This model is reliable, as the predicted illumination levels have been found to have strong correlation with the values obtained from scale model studies. The mathematical model can be effectively used to assist designers in estimating illumination levels in an atrium and to provide opportunity to test design alternatives while the design is in the preliminary design stage. / Master of Science

Contained within this report are a series of case study field observations of selected retail design projects utilizing natural daylighting. Followed by the investigation and laboratory testing of three alternate roof fenestration patterns applicable to the least effective design. A description of the investigation procedure, a tabulation of all research findings and a section of concluding observations serve to round out this study. All of this done in an effort to prove that there exists a positive relationship between the effective incorporation of daylighting and owner/user satisfaction with the retail building type. / Master of Architecture

This thesis seeks to create an architectural response for learning spaces that gathers community. A school and community center are explored through the interaction at public and private zones, and day and night operation. The thesis develops a propositional response to the dualities through material, light, and scale. A particular focus within the study of light is the effort to minimize solar gains while improving daylight and view to the outside that is challenging in hot climates, such as in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. / Master of Architecture / This thesis seeks to create an architectural response for learning spaces that gathers community. A school and community center are explored through the interaction at public and private zones, and day and night operation. The thesis develops a propositional response to the dualities through material, light, and scale. A particular focus within the study of light is the effort to minimize solar gains while improving daylight and view to the outside that is challenging in hot climates, such as in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

There is a growing recognition in design professions that lighting is a significant factor in energy consideration. This has generated an interest in daylighting; the bringing of direct and diffuse daylight into buildings to reduce the use of artificial lighting. Many methods exist for quantifying diffuse daylight distribution for use in the design of buildings, but the methods vary widely both in technique and capability. Moreover, no present method deals with direct daylight (sunshine) distribution. Additionally, none have taken advantage of improvements in computer technology that make feasible more complex mathematical computational models for dealing with direct and diffuse daylight together. This dissertation describes the theoretical development and computer implementation of a new mathematical approach to analyzing the distribution of direct and diffuse daylight. This approach examines light transfer from extraterrestrial space to the inside of a room based on the principles of astrometry, solid geometry, and radiation transfer. This study discusses and analyzes certain aspects critical to develop a mathematical model for evaluating daylight performance and compares the results of the proposed model with 48 scale model studies to determine the validity of using this mathematical model to predict the daylight distribution of a room. Subsequent analysis revealed no significant variation between scale model studies and this computer simulation. Consequently, this mathematical model with the attendant computer program, has demonstrated the ability to predict direct and diffuse daylight distribution. Thus, this approach does indeed have the potential for allowing designers to predict the effect of daylight performance in the schematic design stage. A microcomputer program has been developed to calculate the diffuse daylight distribution. The computation procedures of the program use the proposed mathematical model method. The program was developed with a menu-driven format, where the input data can be easily chosen, stored, and changed to determine the effects of different parameters. Results can be obtained through two formats. One data format provides complete material for analyzing the aperture size and location, glass transmission, reflectance factors, and room orientation. The other provides the graphic displays which represent the illuminance in plan, section, and 3-dimensional contour. The program not only offers a design tool for determining the effects of various daylighting options quickly and accurately in the early design stage, but also presents the daylight distribution with less explanation and with more rapid communication with the clients. The program is written in BASICA language and can be used with the IBM microcomputer system. / Ph. D.

Este trabalho se propõe a analisar as formas de utilização da iluminação natural em edificações religiosas contemporâneas, com enfoque especial àquelas localizadas na região metropolitana de São Paulo. Com base numa seleção de sete obras que se destacam por sua preocupação com a iluminação natural desde o esboço inicial, o que resultou em espaços com qualidade cênica de luz e expressivo conforto visual, são reconhecidas estratégias de iluminação natural aplicadas a esta tipologia de projeto. Esta análise de referências é feita através de visitas de campo e estudos com base na bibliografia de referência. Três das estratégias identificadas são selecionadas para estudos analíticos mais aprofundados, onde possa-se ter maior compreensão sobre seu funcionamento. Tais estudos são feitos sobre modelagem e simulação computacional, inserindo sempre os estudos no clima da cidade de São Paulo. Após a análise com base em estudos analíticos, é feita a caracterização de funcionamento de cada um dos três sistemas estudados, possibilitando sua aplicação consciente em futuros projetos, considerando tanto o efeito plástico quanto o conforto visual. O Monitor de Cobertura concentra o foco de brilho nas paredes laterais da nave. O Clerestório, por sua vez, o concentra no eixo central da nave. Enquanto isso, as janelas altas laterais produzem uma mancha de brilho que se desloca mais claramente pela nave ao passar das horas. O dimensionamento das aberturas deve ser feito de forma a possibilitar o conforto visual pelo maior número de horas possível ao longo do ano. O resultado será uma igreja onde a luz toma o papel principal destacando a arquitetura e, ao mesmo tempo, permite que as atividades litúrgicas transcorram sem dificuldades visuais. / This research intends to analise the use of daylighting in contemporary religious buildings, with special concern to those at the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Based on a selection of seven buildings that stand out for their concern with natural lighting since the initial sketch, which resulted in spaces with scenic quality of light and expressive visual comfort, are recognized natural lighting strategies that were applied to this design typology. This analysis of references is made through field visits and studies based on the reference bibliography. Three of the identified strategies are selected for further analytical studies, where one can gain a better understanding of their functioning. Such studies are done on modeling and computational simulation, always inserting studies in the of the city of São Paulo\'s climate. After analysis based on analytical studies, each of the three systems studied has is functioning characterized, allowing its conscious application in future projects, considering both the plastic effect and the visual comfort. The Roof Monitor focuses the brightness on the side walls of the church. The Clerestory, in turn, concentrates it in the central axis of the church. Meanwhile, the high side windows produce a bright zone that shifts more clearly through the nave as the hours pass. The openings dimensioning should be done in a way that allows visual comfort for as many hours as possible during the year. The result will be a church where light plays the leading role in highlighting architecture and, at the same time, allows liturgical activities to develop without visual difficulties.

Este trabalho se propõe a analisar as formas de utilização da iluminação natural em edificações religiosas contemporâneas, com enfoque especial àquelas localizadas na região metropolitana de São Paulo. Com base numa seleção de sete obras que se destacam por sua preocupação com a iluminação natural desde o esboço inicial, o que resultou em espaços com qualidade cênica de luz e expressivo conforto visual, são reconhecidas estratégias de iluminação natural aplicadas a esta tipologia de projeto. Esta análise de referências é feita através de visitas de campo e estudos com base na bibliografia de referência. Três das estratégias identificadas são selecionadas para estudos analíticos mais aprofundados, onde possa-se ter maior compreensão sobre seu funcionamento. Tais estudos são feitos sobre modelagem e simulação computacional, inserindo sempre os estudos no clima da cidade de São Paulo. Após a análise com base em estudos analíticos, é feita a caracterização de funcionamento de cada um dos três sistemas estudados, possibilitando sua aplicação consciente em futuros projetos, considerando tanto o efeito plástico quanto o conforto visual. O Monitor de Cobertura concentra o foco de brilho nas paredes laterais da nave. O Clerestório, por sua vez, o concentra no eixo central da nave. Enquanto isso, as janelas altas laterais produzem uma mancha de brilho que se desloca mais claramente pela nave ao passar das horas. O dimensionamento das aberturas deve ser feito de forma a possibilitar o conforto visual pelo maior número de horas possível ao longo do ano. O resultado será uma igreja onde a luz toma o papel principal destacando a arquitetura e, ao mesmo tempo, permite que as atividades litúrgicas transcorram sem dificuldades visuais. / This research intends to analise the use of daylighting in contemporary religious buildings, with special concern to those at the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Based on a selection of seven buildings that stand out for their concern with natural lighting since the initial sketch, which resulted in spaces with scenic quality of light and expressive visual comfort, are recognized natural lighting strategies that were applied to this design typology. This analysis of references is made through field visits and studies based on the reference bibliography. Three of the identified strategies are selected for further analytical studies, where one can gain a better understanding of their functioning. Such studies are done on modeling and computational simulation, always inserting studies in the of the city of São Paulo\'s climate. After analysis based on analytical studies, each of the three systems studied has is functioning characterized, allowing its conscious application in future projects, considering both the plastic effect and the visual comfort. The Roof Monitor focuses the brightness on the side walls of the church. The Clerestory, in turn, concentrates it in the central axis of the church. Meanwhile, the high side windows produce a bright zone that shifts more clearly through the nave as the hours pass. The openings dimensioning should be done in a way that allows visual comfort for as many hours as possible during the year. The result will be a church where light plays the leading role in highlighting architecture and, at the same time, allows liturgical activities to develop without visual difficulties.

Projetar sistemas de janela considerando a adequação climática envolve lidar com os efeitos do meio externo, que são dinâmicos, e com estratégias que podem ser conflitantes, tais como o controle do ganho de calor solar e aproveitamento da iluminação natural, ambos elementos provenientes da radiação do Sol. Parte-se do princípio de que isso é feito considerando o impacto de diferentes variáveis de projeto em diferentes indicadores de desempenho simultaneamente, para suporte a decisão. O estudo do efeito dessas variáveis de projeto da janela quando combinadas ainda não é consolidado, especialmente no caso de localidades de baixa latitude. O objetivo geral desta pesquisa de doutorado é avaliar sistemas de janela estáticos e dinâmicos para suporte a decisões de projeto arquitetônico, quanto a diferentes critérios de desempenho relacionados à iluminação natural e uso de energia, de forma integrada. São estudados sistemas de janela compostos por uma abertura envidraçada e proteções solares de aletas horizontais externas, fixas e móveis. O recorte engloba edificações com uso de escritório no contexto do clima quente e úmido da cidade de Maceió-AL. Para isso, simulações computacionais integradas utilizando os softwares Daysim e EnergyPlus foram realizadas, considerando o acionamento das lâmpadas apenas quando a luz natural não fosse suficiente para atender ao uso do ambiente. As variáveis de projeto analisadas foram: percentual de área de abertura, tipo de vidro, ângulo de sombreamento, quantidade de aletas, tipo de acionamento do sistema de proteção solar e orientação da abertura. As soluções arquitetônicas resultantes das combinações de todas as variáveis entre si foram avaliadas com relação à disponibilidade e distribuição da luz natural e demanda de energia elétrica para condicionamento do ar e iluminação artificial no ambiente interno, e classificadas segundo dois indicadores principais. Foram identificadas as variáveis de projeto dentre as analisadas com maior potencial de impacto no desempenho obtido em diferentes situações. Os resultados mostraram que é possível uma alternativa se encontrar em uma faixa de 10% melhores cenários nos dois indicadores ao mesmo tempo. Observou-se ainda que, apesar de a demanda de energia para condicionamento do ar ser frequentemente maior do que a demanda para iluminação, o desempenho da abertura quanto à iluminação pode ter um peso decisivo na escolha de projeto, pois este indicador de desempenho é mais sensível às variáveis da janela estudadas do que o primeiro. Por fim, observou-se que os protetores solares dinâmicos não são garantia de melhoria de desempenho em relação a sistemas estáticos. / Designing window systems in a climate responsive way involves dealing with the effects of the external environment, which are dynamic, and strategies that may conflict, such as daylight and control of solar heat gains, both elements related to the sun. This research assumes that this is done considering the impact of different design variables in different performance indicators simultaneously, for decision support. The study of the effect of window design variables when combined is not yet consolidated, especially in case of low latitude locations. The general objective of this doctoral research is to evaluate static and dynamic window systems to support architectural design decisions regarding different performance criteria related to daylight and energy use, in an integrated manner. The studied window system consists of a glazed opening and external horizontal slat-type shading devices, fixed and mobile, in offices in the hot and humid climate of the city of Maceió-AL. For this, computer integrated simulations using Daysim and EnergyPlus software were carried out, considering the activation of the lighting system only when daylight is not sufficient to meet the usage requirements. The design variables analyzed were window-to-wall ratio, glazing type, cut-off angle, number of slats, type of shading control and orientation. Architectural solutions resulting from combinations of all variables were evaluated regarding the availability and distribution of daylight and electricity demand for air conditioning and artificial lighting in the indoor environment. The solutions were then rated and ranked according to two main indicators. The design variables among the analyzed with potential of high impact in the obtained performance in different situations were identified. The results showed that it is possible an alternative be in a range of 10% best scenarios in the two criteria at the same time. It was also observed that, although the energy demand for conditioning air often be greater than the lighting energy demand, the performance of the window on daylight can have a decisive weight on the design choice, because this performance indicator is more sensitive to the window variables than the first. Finally, it was observed that the dynamic shading systems are not performance-enhancing guarantee compared to static systems.

Effective daylighting can substantially reduce the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of commercial buildings. Daylight is also healthy for building occupants, and contributes to occupant satisfaction. When productivity improvements are considered, effective daylighting is also highly attractive financially. However, successful daylighting of sub-tropical buildings is a very difficult task, due to high direct irradiances and excessive solar shading. A device was created that combined effective solar shading and efficient daylight redirection. The micro-light guiding shade panel achieves all objectives of an optimal daylighting device placed on the façade of a sub-tropical, high rise office building. Its design is based on the principles of non-imaging optics. This provides highly efficient designs offering control over delivered illumination, within the constraints of the second law of thermodynamics. Micro-light guiding shade panels were constructed and installed on a test building. The tested devices delivered daylight deep into the building under all conditions. Some glare was experienced with a poorly chosen translucent material. Glare was eliminated by replacing this material. Construction of the panels could be improved by application of mass-manufacturing techniques including metal pressing. For the micro-light guiding shade panel to be utilised to its full potential, building designers must understand its impact on building performance early in the design process. Thus, the device must be modelled with lighting simulation software currently in use by building design firms. The device was successfully modelled by the RADIANCE lighting simulator. RADIANCE predictions compared well with measurements, providing bias generally less than 10%. Simulations greatly aided further development of the micro-light guiding shade panel. Several new RADIANCE algorithms were developed to improve daylight simulation in general.

The development of the urban space has a great impact on daylight availability. Urban design can improve the use of daylight in buildings. Climatic conditions influence the availability of daylight considerably and should be taken into account by Urban Codes. In the humid tropic, the sky factor may decrease due to the use of the solar protection. That has been the main parameter to control the influence of obstructions on daylighting of buildings. This loss can be compensated by the considerable availability of reflect light. The present work aims to analyse the influence of the reflect light on luminous performance of buildings in the humid tropic. It was evaluated the efficacy of the sky factor parameter, the influence of opening orientation and the contribution of the reflect light on ground and obstructions. The methodology is a comparative study for different urban space models by computer simulation with TropLux. The simulations were done for Maceió-AL with partly cloudy sky. Results showed a great contribution of the reflect light for tropical daylighting. The use of sky factor parameter showed more effective when used together with opening orientation. More appropriate approach for Daylighting Code in the humid tropic should pay more attention to reflected light on the ground and obstructions as well as to opening orientation. This work aims to contribute in some way to create urban design guidelines that help designers and planners to develop urban models that allow a proper use of daylight in the humid tropic. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A construção do espaço urbano é uma atividade de grande impacto sobre a disponibilidade de luz natural. O desenho urbano pode conduzir a cidade a um maior aproveitamento da luz natural pelas edificações. Por outro lado as condições climáticas influenciam a disponibilidade dessa luz, devendo ser levadas em consideração pelos instrumentos normativos que condicionam o desenho da cidade. No trópico úmido, as proteções solares utilizadas para sombrear as aberturas podem reduzir consideravelmente o fator de céu, que tem sido o principal parâmetro para controlar a influência do entorno construído na iluminação natural. Esse efeito pode ser compensado pela disponibilidade considerável de luz refletida. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a influência do entorno construído e da luz refletida para a iluminação natural de edificações no trópico úmido, avaliando a eficácia do parâmetro fator de céu, a influência da orientação da abertura e a contribuição percentual da luz refletida pelo entorno. A metodologia adotada consiste em um estudo comparativo de diferentes modelos de entorno, através de simulações computacionais com o programa TropLux. As simulações adotaram a localização da cidade de Maceió-AL e o céu parcialmente nublado. Os resultados mostraram uma grande contribuição da luz refletida para a iluminação das edificações. O uso do parâmetro fator de céu para estimar o desempenho dos modelos mostrou-se mais eficaz quando utilizado em conjunto com a orientação da abertura. A partir dos resultados concluiu-se que uma abordagem mais adequada ao trópico úmido, para a definição de instrumentos normativos, deve dar atenção especial às refletâncias do entorno e à orientação das aberturas. Espera-se com isso contribuir para formar diretrizes de desenho urbano que orientem projetistas e planejadores no desenvolvimento de modelos urbanos que propiciem um aproveitamento adequado da luz natural no trópico úmido.

Light is one of the most important elements for seizure of the architectural space and can be considered the most valuable resource by the architect, responsible for biological effects, psychological and human visual system. You can also reduce the use of artificial lighting systems, contributing to the growing global awareness of the depletion of natural resources of the planet. However, its use in architecture should be made based on criteria in order to optimize its benefits. Thus, the light shelf can be used as a daylighting control element, which reduces the direct incidence of sunlight, can more evenly distribute light within the room. Using computer simulation software TropLux proceeded to the simulation of a basic room with no light shelf and weather data for the city of Maceio. From there, nine other rooms were created with light shelf and each received a different reflectance configuration of 0.9, 0.7 and 0.5, ranging from diffuse, specular and mixed. the values were compared between the standard room and the other as well as between the points of the same depth between the different rooms in order to establish which setting has allowed a better light performance. As a result, we arrived at the conclusion that the use of light shelf to fully diffuse surface, provided a greater uniformity in the distribution of natural lighting within the environment in comparison to the use of mixed or specular surfaces. The light shelves with reflectance of 0.5 in comparison to others, showed better uniformity of illuminance. / A luz é um dos mais importantes elementos para apreensão do espaço arquitetônico e pode ser considerado o recurso mais valioso pelo arquiteto, sendo responsável por efeitos biológicos, psicológicos e visual do homem. Pode ainda reduzir o uso de sistemas artificiais de iluminação, contribuindo com a crescente conscientização mundial do esgotamento de recursos naturais do planeta. Entretanto, seu uso na arquitetura deve ser feito a partir de critérios, de modo a otimizar seus benefícios. Nesse sentido, a prateleira de luz pode ser usada como um elemento de controle da iluminação natural que permite reduzir a incidência de radiação solar direta, podendo distribuir mais uniformemente a luz dentro do ambiente. Utilizando o software de simulação computacional TropLux, procedeu‐se a simulação de uma sala base sem prateleira de luz e com dados climáticos para a cidade de Maceió. A partir daí, foram criadas outras nove salas com prateleira de luz e cada uma delas recebeu uma configuração diferente com refletância de 0,9, 0,7 e 0,5, variando entre difusa, especular e mista. Foram comparados os valores entre a sala padrão e as demais, bem como entre os pontos de mesma profundidade entre as diferentes salas a fim de estabelecer qual configuração permitiu um melhor desempenho luminoso. Como resultados, chegou‐se à conclusão que a utilização da prateleira de luz com superfície totalmente difusa, proporcionou uma maior uniformidade na distribuição da iluminação natural no interior do ambiente em comparação à utilização de superfícies especulares ou mistas. As prateleiras de luz com refletância de 0,5 em comparação as demais, foram as que melhor distribuíram e uniformizaram a luz natural.