Daylighting and visual comfort studies of design studios in institutional buildings: a case study of KAED, IIUM

Abstract

The high consumption of energy by educational buildings has been a subject of concern in recent decades. Lighting accounts for 25-40% of the energy balance of buildings and 19% of the worldwide energy consumption. Therefore, it represents a key driver for energy-saving efforts in many countries. Daylighting is an effective method in creating not only a comfortable visual environment, but it is a useful source of energy savings in university buildings as well. This study used a case study approach to investigate the daylighting condition and evaluations on visual comfort from three design studios in KAED, IIUM. Opinion survey and field measurements were carried out simultaneously in three studios with different orientations (north, south, and north-west). The daylighting analysis was made through field measurement using the Lux meter, and calculations of daylight factor were carried out. The results were compared with the Malaysian Standard (MS)1525: 2007. In addition, a questionnaire survey was distributed to the users of the studios to assess their visual comfort level. Further calculations were also made to assess the energy consumption level of the three design studios. The field measurement results showed that the lighting levels were not up to the required standard, but most of the users of the studios revealed that the lighting levels were sufficient and did not hinder them from staying longer inside their studio. The study proposed a more energy-efficient lighting solution to the present and the energy consumption calculation showed that by changing all lighting fittings of Fluorescent T8 lamps to LED (light-emitting diode) lamps yielded a 40% reduction. The study also proposed a more efficient lamp switching system where areas that received sufficient daylighting have the option of not using artificial lighting during the day. In this way, more savings were anticipated. Recommendations were finally proposed to enhance the visual comfort and lighting pattern of the design studios. Keywords: daylighting, energy efficiency, visual comfort, university buildings