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Daylighting
STRUCTURE & PHYSICSbeginner
Definition
The deliberate use of natural light to illuminate building interiors, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and improving occupant wellbeing. Effective daylighting considers window size, orientation, glazing type, and the penetration of light deep into a plan. Metrics include Daylight Factor and LEED daylight credits.
Example
Renzo Piano's Menil Collection museum in Houston (1987) uses a roof of concrete 'leaves' and translucent diffusing panels to admit a precisely controlled, even quality of natural light throughout the galleries.