Methodology development for daylight simulation for highly glazed office space models in Belgrade climate conditions

Abstract

In everyday architectural practice parameters affecting daylight are not often taken into account. Usually the relationship between opaque and transparent parts of the facade is defined by functional or aesthetic parameters or resulting from use of legally defined minimum as percentage relative to the room area. In this way, artificial lighting is used more often because daylighting is not sufficient and not enabling visual comfort. As a result, energy efficiency of the building is lowered and CO2 emission higher. Methodology for assessment of daylight utilisation is developed for highly glazed office buildings for Belgrade climate conditions. Parameter analysis is based on variation of elements defining space aesthetic and volumetric characteristics like space geometry, window size, and window pattern or glazing system. This methodology is based on criteria selection for architectural parameters that create computational model (scene) where the effects of surrounding area and interior reflections are neutralized or minimized while the daylight distribution and intensity in the interior are dominantly influenced by glazed facade. As a result, this methodology provides more precise comparison of facade glazing system influence (its size, pattern and quality) on daylight utilisation for given climate conditions and facade orientation. Developed methodology is described in the paper. The results of the methodology are enabling architects to define optimal facades, concerning the percentage, position of glazed surfaces and type of glass used. Designing optimal daylighting in office buildings results in saving energy otherwise used for artificial lighting and reducing CO2 emission.