What are the best practices for daylighting control systems and user preferences?

1 Benefits of daylighting

Daylighting offers many benefits for both the building and the occupants, such as reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint of lighting, enhancing the aesthetics and ambiance of the space, supporting the circadian rhythms and health of the users, and improving the productivity and satisfaction of the workers. Daylighting can also create a connection with the outdoors and the changing seasons, adding variety and interest to the indoor environment. Therefore, daylighting control systems should aim to maximize these benefits while minimizing the drawbacks of daylighting.

2 Challenges of daylighting

Daylighting also presents some challenges that need to be addressed by the control systems, such as glare, heat gain, and variability. Glare is the excessive brightness or contrast that causes visual discomfort or impairment, and can be caused by direct sunlight, reflections, or bright patches of light. Heat gain is the increase in temperature due to solar radiation, which can affect the thermal comfort and cooling load of the space. Variability is the fluctuation of daylight levels and quality throughout the day and the year, depending on the orientation, season, weather, and time of the day. Daylighting control systems should aim to minimize these challenges while maintaining a sufficient and uniform level of daylight.

3 Types of control systems

Daylighting control systems can be classified into two main types: passive and active. Passive control systems are those that do not require any mechanical or electrical input, such as windows, skylights, light shelves, or clerestories. These systems rely on the design and orientation of the building, the materials and colors of the surfaces, and the manual operation of the users to control the daylight. Active control systems are those that require some form of power or automation, such as shades, blinds, louvers, dimmers, or sensors. These systems can adjust the daylight according to the external conditions, the internal requirements, or the user feedback.

4 User preferences and behavior

One of the key factors that influence the performance and satisfaction of daylighting control systems is the user preferences and behavior. Users have different preferences for the amount, quality, and direction of daylight, depending on their personal characteristics, tasks, mood, and expectations. Users also have different behavior patterns for operating the control systems, depending on their awareness, motivation, comfort, and convenience. Therefore, daylighting control systems should aim to accommodate and respond to the user preferences and behavior, while also educating and encouraging them to use the systems effectively and efficiently.

5 Best practices for control systems

When designing a daylighting control system, it is important to consider the principles of lighting design, human factors, and energy efficiency. This includes designing the system to match the function and layout of the space, as well as choosing the right type and combination of control devices based on the availability and quality of daylight, desired level of automation and flexibility, budget, and maintenance. Additionally, the system should be integrated with artificial lighting and HVAC systems for a seamless transition between natural and artificial sources. Finally, users need to be involved in the design and operation of the system by providing feedback, clear controls, indicators, and education about the benefits and challenges of daylighting.

6 Examples of control systems

To illustrate some of the best practices for daylighting control systems and user preferences, here are some successful projects that have implemented them. For example, the New York Times Building in New York City has a high-performance curtain wall with ceramic rods that diffuse and reflect daylight, reducing glare and heat gain. Additionally, the Genzyme Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts has a central atrium that brings daylight into the core of the building, creating a bright and airy space. Further, the Kuggen Building in Gothenburg, Sweden features a circular shape that optimizes its orientation and exposure to daylight. All of these buildings also have automated dimming systems, heliostats, manual blinds, sensors, and rotating triangular panels that enable users to control the daylight according to their preferences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?