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Assessing the Application of Building Forms and Elements for Daylighting Optimization in Tropical Museums

Imayo Q.A Abalaka, Henry Emusa, Beatrice Chapi Owoicho

Abstract

This study examines the application of building forms and elements to optimize daylighting in tropical museum buildings, which draws evidences from multiple case studies. The study adopts a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection including physical observation and extensive literature review for the aforementioned, and daylight simulation for the later. The research analyzes three notable museums within the tropical region of Nigeria, which where purposively selected based on their incorporation of daylighting strategies that includes building forms and elements to maximize daylight within their building design, the study also references a case study located in the humid subtropical climate for a broader comparison of daylighting design decisions. Daylighting simulation was conducted using Velux Daylight Visualizer, with all settings based on the tropical location of Anyigba, Kogi state Nigeria and guided by the daylighting patterns obtained from physical observation and literature review. The final correlation of results supports a substantial mixed-method conclusion. The findings made indicate that integrating multiple strategies is a more effective means of daylighting control particularly in sensitive tropical museum exhibition in spaces. The paper concludes with recommendations pertaining daylighting design for museum exhibition spaces under tropical climates conditions, that supports a thoughtful integration of passive daylighting solutions to balance conservation needs with that of exhibition as well as energy efficiency.

Keywords

Building FormsDaylighting ElementsDaylightingTropical Museums.

References

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