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Video: Daylighting

This programme explores the topic of daylighting, showing how the natural lighting of a building can, using the correct tools and techniques, be predicted at the design stage. The basic science of light, as a wave in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, is described, while the differences between 'daylight' and 'sunlight', 'luminance' and 'illuminance' are explained as well as 'brightness' and 'glare'. The main focus of the programme though, is accurately designing for efficient daylighting in buildings. There is an explanation of the daylight factor and daylight calculations are worked through using a daylight protractor to illustrate the mathematical principles. Computer and 'artificial sky' modelling are described, and areas where architects regularly go wrong in their consideration of daylight are explored.

Main contributors: Dominic Meyrick (Hoare Lea Consulting Engineers).