Modelling daylight in adjacent spaces of the courtyard under clear sky conditions

Abstract

This paper investigates daylight performance in courtyard buildings with focus on how different design configurations affect daylight availability and potential of glare in the courtyard's adjoining spaces. The study is conducted under clear sky conditions of the UAE. The analysis of the performance variables in question depended on Climate-based Daylight Metrics (Daylight Autonomy variations). The method relied on computer simulations using DAYSIM software under Rhino 3D modeler Interface. The study analyzed daylight penetration into the adjacent spaces with varying window-to-wall ratio (WWR from 40-100%) using several metrics: Daylight Autonomy variations (DA, sDA, DACon, DAmax) and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). It concludes with prediction models and design guidelines on the optimum courtyard design and proper sizing of the courtyard's space and adjacent zones for improved daylight availability and visual comfort.