How can you maximize daylight harvesting in your workplace?

1 Assess your site and orientation

The first step to maximize daylight harvesting is to assess the site and orientation of your building. You want to take advantage of the sun's path and the surrounding context to capture the most daylight possible. For example, you can orient your building along the east-west axis to expose the longer facades to the south and north, where the sunlight is more consistent and diffuse. You can also avoid or minimize obstructions from nearby buildings, trees, or mountains that can block or reflect the daylight.

2 Choose the right windows and skylights

The second step is to choose the right windows and skylights for your building. Windows and skylights are the main sources of daylight, but they also affect the heat gain, glare, and privacy of your space. You want to balance the size, shape, location, and type of windows and skylights to achieve optimal daylight levels without compromising comfort and performance. For example, you can use high-performance glazing, operable windows, clerestory windows, or tubular skylights to enhance daylight quality and control.

3 Install effective shading devices

The third step is to install effective shading devices for your windows and skylights. Shading devices are essential to prevent excessive heat gain, glare, and fading of materials caused by direct sunlight. They can also create dynamic patterns and variations of light and shadow in your space. You want to select the appropriate shading devices based on the orientation, climate, and function of your space. For example, you can use external shades, overhangs, louvers, blinds, or curtains to regulate the amount and direction of daylight.

4 Optimize your interior layout and design

The fourth step is to optimize your interior layout and design to distribute daylight evenly and efficiently throughout your space. You want to avoid creating dark or bright zones that can affect the visual comfort and mood of your occupants. You can use several strategies to improve the daylight penetration and reflection in your space. For example, you can use open or flexible floor plans, light-colored or reflective surfaces, translucent or transparent partitions, or light shelves to enhance daylight diffusion and integration.

5 Implement smart lighting controls

The fifth step is to implement smart lighting controls that can adjust the artificial lighting levels according to the available daylight. Lighting controls are crucial to reduce energy consumption and costs, as well as to maintain a consistent and comfortable lighting environment. You can use different types of lighting controls depending on the size, type, and usage of your space. For example, you can use dimmers, timers, occupancy sensors, or daylight sensors to modulate the artificial lighting intensity and color.

6 Monitor and evaluate your daylight performance

The sixth and final step is to monitor and evaluate your daylight performance over time. You want to measure and analyze the daylight availability, quality, and impact on your space and occupants. You can use various tools and methods to collect and interpret the daylight data. For example, you can use daylight meters, lux meters, or software simulations to quantify the daylight levels and patterns. You can also use surveys, interviews, or observations to assess the daylight satisfaction and preferences of your occupants.