The impact of solar radiation on the quality of buildings: Research methods

Abstract

Daylight analyses presented in this paper are fragments of a wider research project. The daylight simulation study focused on the influence of various facade solutions on lighting environment in office buildings located in the south of Poland. The development of scientific principles lying behind correctly daylit workspaces in offices was the main project’s aim. The another, equally crucial purpose was the development of design guidelines for office buildings in the southern Poland. Selected architectural solutions were compared in this study. They included facade solutions (window placements and shapes, glazing-to-wall (GWR) ratios), solar radiation reflectors (light shelves) and deflectors (venetian blinds). Moreover two types of daylight performance metrics were explored, static and dynamic. The objective of this document is to promote the use of the most advanced and sophisticated computer simulation methods, techniques and tools for sustainable building design regarding quality of daylit indoor environment.