Article integrated daylighting design by combining passive method with daysim in a classroom

Abstract

This paper suggests a daylighting design method by combining a passive approach and advanced software to design external shading devices for daylighting in a classroom. A simplified method to predict and assess the indoor natural illuminance is a prerequisite for designers to design schools with better performance. Recently there has been growing demand for school refurbishment; mainly environmental improvement of classrooms in Korea. However, the passive approach of design has been neglected while the use of advanced simulation software has increased, requiring additional time and cost. Combining passive design methods with up-to-date numerical simulation is explored with shading devices to verify the daylighting distribution and daylight autonomy in classrooms with different orientations and shading forms. Weather tool Autodesk Ecotect, for the shading coefficient, and DaySim software (v3.0), for daylight autonomy, were adopted for the initial and the detail design stage, respectively. The findings support the linked design approaches of passive and advanced software would benefit designers in the strategic design process with further potential for design options and lighting electricity reduction.