Search Results (45)

Lecture halls are characterized by large spatial dimensions, deep floor plans, and high occupant densities. Lectures are typically conducted using multimedia and blackboard-based teaching, placing higher demands on the indoor light and thermal environment compared to standard classrooms. This study aims to simulate the interrelationships between multiple building envelope parameters and building performance, in order to improve visual and thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption in cold-region lecture halls. Based on seven key envelope parameters—including openable window area ratio, west-facing window-to-wall ratio, exterior insulation thickness, shading element spacing, angle and width, and window glass type—a multi-objective optimization framework was established. The optimization process targeted three key performance indicators—useful daylight illuminance (UDI), energy use intensity (EUI), and thermal comfort percentage (TCP)—in the context of a stepped classroom. The results show that increasing the thickness of exterior insulation and reducing the width of shading components contribute positively to photothermal comfort without compromising thermal and visual performance. Compared with the baseline design, optimized schemes that incorporate appropriate west-facing window-to-wall ratios, openable window areas, insulation thicknesses, and external shading designs can reduce annual energy consumption by up to 10.82%, and increase UDI and TCP by 12.79% and 36.41%, respectively. These improvements are also found to be economically viable. Full article

Numerous studies have demonstrated that appropriate use of daylight in educational spaces significantly enhances students’ health and academic performance. However, classrooms in Tehran still suffer from considerable daylighting challenges. In many cases, desks near windows are exposed to excessive brightness, while areas farther from the windows lack adequate illumination. This often leads to the use of curtains and artificial lighting, resulting in higher energy consumption and potential negative impacts on student learning. Light shelf systems have been proposed as effective daylighting solutions to improve light penetration and distribution. According to previous research, three key parameters—geometry, depth, and surface reflectance—play a critical role in the performance of light shelves. However, prior studies have typically focused on improving one or two of these parameters in isolation. There is a lack of research evaluating all three parameters simultaneously to determine season-specific configurations for optimal performance. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates the combined effects of light shelf geometry, depth, and reflectance across different seasons and proposes a system that dynamically adapts these parameters throughout the year. In winter, the system also integrates photovoltaic panels to reduce glare and generate electricity for its operation. Simulation results indicate that the proposed system leads to a 21% improvement in Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), a 65% increase in thermal comfort, and a 10% annual reduction in energy consumption. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed system as a practical and energy-efficient daylighting strategy for educational buildings in sunny regions such as Tehran. Full article

University classrooms have an urgent need for energy saving and environmental optimization due to the energy consumption characteristics and the demand for a daylight environment. Classrooms in hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) areas in China are typically designed with a south-facing layout, but the indoor environment of the classrooms in actual use is not as satisfactory as it should be. This research examines the impacts of side-lit window design parameters and shading forms on the energy and daylight performance by using measurements and simulation. It is found that there is significant seasonal variation in the energy consumption of teaching buildings in HSCW areas, with cooling energy consumption being the primary focus of energy conservation. Additionally, appropriate shading measures can not only compensate for the energy deficiencies of the orientation and window-to-wall ratio (WWR), but also considerably enhance the indoor daylight conditions. The results indicate that the most effective way to optimize energy and daylight performance in classrooms is to adopt a north-facing layout with 400 mm shading louvers. The illuminance level of the working plane can be made more uniform and the useful daylight illuminance (UDI) can be increased to over 60%. Therefore, classroom designs in HSCW areas can be more flexible in terms of optimizing energy efficiency and daylight conditions by integrating various design parameters and shading measures. Full article

European non-residential buildings constructed before building energy codes consume more energy and resources than new buildings. Existing educational buildings comprise 17% of this outdated stock. These buildings can be retrofitted to create a conducive learning environment that can improve students’ comfort. The refurbishment of facades is a common solution to improve the energy performance of schools when the aim is to improve the daylighting comfort. This study develops a methodology to optimize facade renovation solutions including (1) preparation, (2) simulations of the simplified model using local shading, and (3) modeling a realistic optimized facade design. This study evaluates visual comfort by considering multiple-dimensional metrics such as useful daylight illuminance (UDI), annual sunlight exposure (ASE), illuminance uniformity, and the daylighting factor. The three parameters of the louvres on which this study focuses are the distance from the new facade to the exterior wall, the blade degrees, and slat spacing. The methodology was first applied to improve the facade proposal with reused roof tiles from the project Waste-based Intelligent Solar-control-devices for Envelope Refurbishment (WiSeR). The results illustrate that implementing these solutions efficiently improves the indoor visual comfort in the classroom while avoiding overheating issues. For a constant-gaps surface, a shading distribution with alternated gaps gives better results for the aforementioned light metrics. Specifically, the most suitable values are a 7 cm distance from the new shading system to the existing wall, slat degrees at 0, and louvre spacing at 21 cm. Full article

This study examines the transformative impact of integrating pendant asymmetric lens (PAL) and blackboard asymmetric lens (BAL) LED luminaires to enhance classroom lighting, with the goals of replicating the ambient effects of natural daylight and promoting energy efficiency. This research focuses on improving the quality of learning environments through uniform, soft, and diffused lighting, which mimics sky-like illumination while adhering to sustainable energy practices. Advanced asymmetric lens LED luminaires are employed to achieve optimal lighting distribution, as indicated by luminous intensity distribution curves. Comparative analyses in diverse educational settings reveal significant improvements in ceiling illuminance, ranging from 935 to 1000 lx, and workspace illuminance from 660 to 720 lx, with reduced glare (UGR < 10). This results in bright, visually comfortable spaces conducive to learning. Additionally, the PAL and BAL solutions outperform conventional lighting systems like stretched ceilings and lightboxes by maintaining clear overhead spaces, eliminating shadows, and offering cost-effective solutions. This successful integration demonstrates a notable advancement in the development of energy-efficient, visually comfortable educational environments, contributing to the goals of sustainability and improved well-being for both students and teachers. Full article

Daylighting in educational buildings is a key factor in ensuring visual comfort and maintaining indoor environmental quality. In this context, daylight quality plays a crucial role in enhancing the lighting conditions within classrooms. Due to the local climate, classrooms with double-side windows are widely prevalent in southern China; however, these wide windows can sometimes lead to uncomfortable glare and uneven daylight distribution. In response, and to address and improve daylight quality, this study selected some classrooms at Guangxi University as a typical case study. The investigation of indoor daylighting performance and visual comfort was conducted through field surveys (questionnaires), on-site measurements, and software simulations. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using lighting environment metrics, including Daylight Factor (DF), Illuminance Uniformity, Effective Illuminance, Daylight Glare Probability (DGP), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). The findings revealed that large window glass areas on both sides could lead to high DF values, pronounced glare, and low UDI within classrooms. Subsequently, by analyzing influencing factors such as the window-to-floor ratio, window type, the optical properties of classroom interior surfaces, and window shading devices, strategies for improving daylight quality in these classrooms were proposed. The results of this study provide guidance for future daylighting design in university classrooms in hot and humid regions. Moreover, it offers valuable benefits to a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, while providing crucial insights for improving national building standards in this region. Full article

Daylight influences more than just our vision; elements such as its intensity and spectral composition can significantly impact our circadian rhythms and, consequently, our overall well-being. In this study, we present an analysis of a classroom simulated in Dialux, involving a comprehensive examination of natural daylight through a specific type of glazing, assessing their photopic characteristics and their influence on the human circadian system in individuals aged 32 and 70 years. Our findings highlight that spectral data from daylight (D75, D65, and D50) and glazing transmittance can be easily used to evaluate the melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (mel-EDI) in addition to standard photopic illuminance, applying a ${f\left({\displaystyle \frac{M}{P}}\right)}_{Glazing}$ factor calculated from the spectral characteristics of both daylight and glazing transmittance. Our results provide new insights for users to more effectively assess daylighting quality and its implications within indoor environments. Full article

This study quantitatively analyzes the influence of the spectral characteristics, reflectance or transmittance, of different materials on the lighting of an interior space with natural and artificial light. For this purpose, a three-dimensional simulated classroom is used, where each of the components is assigned specific materials with an associated reflectance or transmittance. Additionally, two types of lighting are available: 6500 K daylight and light from six continuous spectrum LED luminaires. The lighting is evaluated on two planes: the work plane and the corneal plane (80 cm and 120 cm from the floor, respectively). Three versions of the same classroom were analyzed by varying the walls (white, blue, and red), each with a different neutral-colored floor. Furthermore, calculations were performed in each situation considering two different types of glazing in the windows, with 20% and 88% transmittance. The photopic and melanopic lighting analysis was carried out with the ALFA calculation program to verify the necessary requirements for adequate lighting. The results show that the white classroom is the best lit, followed by the blue and finally the red, due to the reflectance characteristics of the walls and floor although slight differences among them are found. It was found that in some cases, additional auxiliary luminaires would be required for proper lighting depending on the transmittance of the glazing. This study highlights the critical role of material selection in optimizing both photopic and melanopic lighting, with practical implications for energy efficiency and occupant well-being in educational spaces. Full article

The design of school building typologies, along with the use of advanced glazing systems such as suspended particle devices (SPD), is crucial for determining visual comfort for students. Recent research has focused on integrating SPD in architectural elements such as skylights, clerestories, and windows. In hot desert climates, minimizing window areas, employing shading mechanisms, and utilizing daylighting features such as courtyards and atriums are practical. This study explores the optimization of various architectural components in classroom designs, including Window Wall Ratios (WWR), Skylight Ratios (SR), floor levels, cardinal orientation, and SPD switching states. Using a detailed and comprehensive radiance simulation via Rhino-Grasshopper and Colibri 2.0, we conducted a thorough analysis and optimization of the SPD glazing system across different states on both annual and hourly bases. The results indicate that optimizing SPD transmittance states between 30–40%, maintaining WWRs from 20–40%, and incorporating a large skylight ratio significantly enhances the recommended work plane illuminance (WPI) and the uniformity index (Ui) of the tested typologies. This optimization improves glare control across various building typologies and provides a roadmap for architects aiming to design learning spaces that prioritize visual comfort and overall student well-being. Full article

Only a few recent studies report direct assessment or monitoring of light levels in the indoor learning environment, and no consensus exists on minimum exposures for children’s health. For instance, myopia is a common progressive condition, with genetic and environmental risk factors. Reduced daylight exposure, electric lighting changes, increased near-work for school children, greater academic focus, and use of display screens and white boards may have important detrimental influences. Published assessment methods had varied limitations, such as incomplete compliance from participants wearing light loggers for extended periods. Climate-Based Daylight Modelling is encouraged in UK school design, but design approaches are impractical for post-occupancy assessments of pre-existing classrooms or ad hoc modifications. In this study, we investigated the potential for direct assessment and monitoring of classroom daylight and lighting measurements. Combined with objective assessments of outdoor exposures and class time use, the classroom data could inform design and light exposure interventions to reduce the various health impacts of inadequate daylight exposure. The relevant environmental measure for myopia depends on the hypothesized mechanism, so the illuminance, spectral distribution, and temporal light modulation from the electric lighting was also assessed. Full article

Humans are spending more time indoors than ever due to urbanisation and industrialisation, leading to higher electricity consumption in lighting systems. Recent research has demonstrated the significance of maintaining a balance between daylight and electric light to create an ideal learning environment that can significantly impact students’ academic performance. The objective of this study is to analyse the changes in students’ emotional response depending on the type of lighting in the classroom—whether it is daylight, electric light, or a combination of both. A field study was conducted with 521 university students to assess their affective response to the lighting environment inside their classroom. The results show that students prefer a Clear-efficient lighting environment for writing–reading tasks and a Soft-calm atmosphere for using electronic devices. For the paying attention tasks, a combination of daylighting and electric lighting is determined to be the best solution, while for the tasks of discussing–teamwork, students prefer daylighting. Daylighting is found to be the only lighting option that students like. Despite this, students still consider electric lighting and the combination of daylight and electric light adequate for a classroom. The findings of this study may help educators and designers create learning spaces that promote a positive and stimulating student environment by understanding the relationship between the lighting environment and students’ affective responses. Full article

The quality of natural lighting within secondary school classrooms can significantly affect the physical and mental well-being of both teachers and students. While numerous studies have explored various aspects of daylighting performance and its related factors, there is no universal standard for predicting and optimizing daylighting performance from a design perspective. In this study, a method was developed that combines measurements and simulations to enhance the design parameters associated with daylighting performance. This approach facilitates the determination of precise ranges for multiple design parameters and allows for the efficient attainment of optimal daylighting performance. Daylight glare probability (DGP), point-in-time illuminance (PIT), daylight factor (DF), and lighting energy consumption were simulated based on existing control parameters of operational classrooms. The simulation results were then validated using field measurements. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were employed to optimize the control parameters, yielding a set of optimal solutions for improving daylight performance. The differences between daylighting performance indicators corresponding to the optimal solution set and those of the basic model were compared to test the performance of the optimized parameters. The proposed method is a robust process for optimizing daylight design parameters based on GAs, which not only enhances daylighting performance but also offers scientifically grounded guidelines for the design phase. It is a valuable framework for creating healthier and more productive educational environments within secondary school classrooms. Full article

The energy performance of buildings has been extensively studied at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil in order to achieve energy conservation and reduce environmental impacts. Artificial lighting is one of the systems that consume the most electricity in educational buildings; therefore, by adopting measures to improve energy performance, the luminous performance can also be improved. Artificial lighting allows for visual tasks to be accurately and safely carried out by means of lamps of varied temperatures, color rendering index, and luminous performance. Providing adequate lighting in school environments can influence both the health and well-being of school members, contributing positively to productivity. The present study aimed to evaluate the luminous performance of the existing artificial lighting system in a classroom by considering the minimum requirements recommended by the Brazilian standard NBR ISO/CIE 8995-1/2013. Through computer simulations using the DIALux evo program, it was possible to propose actions to improve the existing lighting system in order to offer better visual comfort to users and ensure electricity savings. The artificial lighting system consisted of LED luminaires integrated with daylight and the use of a manual control device, thus generating electricity savings of almost 65% when compared with the existing artificial lighting system in the room. Full article

Creating a comfortable indoor environment in education buildings is an important design objective. Climate change has resulted in rising summer indoor temperatures in the severe cold regions of China, and evidence of summer overheating risk in these regions has not yet been fully investigated. This study presents evidence of overheating in a university building in a severe cold region of China, discusses the potential of integrated shading devices for mitigating overheating, and proposes design ideas for the application of shading devices. Temperature monitoring and simulation were performed in a university building with natural ventilation located in Harbin, and various configurations of integrated shading devices were simulated using IES Virtual Environment software. The results demonstrate that 69% of classrooms were overheated; furthermore, south-facing classrooms could be overheated for up to 152 h during summer occupancy hours. This study finds that integrated shading devices reduce overheating hours by up to 59.2%. The design of appropriate parameters for shading devices can effectively improve indoor thermal comfort while maintaining daylight levels and controlling the increase in energy consumption. The methodology and results presented in this study offer a reference point and practical guidance for mitigating regional overheating, aiming to promote the improvement of regional standards and optimisation of thermal environments in the severe cold regions of China. Full article

According to relevant statistics, the electricity consumption for lighting in university buildings accounts for 20 to 40% of the total energy consumption of the buildings. Lighting energy saving is a key influential factor in achieving a low-carbon campus construction. The electricity consumption for lighting is simultaneously affected by the utilization of natural daylight and artificial lighting schemes. Currently, there is a lack of research regarding the dynamic quantitative correlation between the geometric design of external windows affecting the utilization of natural daylight and carbon emissions. Also, research on the dynamic synergistic impact between natural light utilization and artificial lighting on carbon emissions has not been observed. Hence, there is a lack of quantitative carbon impact prediction and guidance in the early design and actual operation of such spaces. This study took the professional drawing space of a university in the severe cold regions of Shenyang as a prototype. Daylight factor (DF) and spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) were determined using Rhino + Grasshopper and Ladybug + Honeybee for window geometry. DIALux evo simulation was used to analyze the carbon emissions of space operation, followed by correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS to determine the degree of influence of each window design parameter on the carbon emissions. The window-to-floor ratio (WFR), window-to-wall ratio (WWR), windowsill height (H_ws), window width (W_w), and window height (H_w) had inhibitory effects on carbon emissions from daylight-responsive artificial lighting (C), and the influence of different orientations was different. Under the condition of an opposing window, the overall C trend of the professional drawing space was west < east< south < north, and the C of the morning period in each orientation was significantly lower than that in the afternoon period. Taking the frame structure system space with a floor-to-floor height of 4.2 m as an example, within the requirements of WFR and WWR, the C of the west-facing professional drawing classroom with 2.55 m for H_w, 0.75 m for H_ws, and 9.6 m for W_w was the smallest. To a certain extent, opening large windows and opening high windows can reduce the C of the space. Full article