Integrating Daylighting Strategies for Enhanced Visual Comfort in the Design of Bingham University Library Karu, Nasarawa

Deborah Gana Balami; Labaran D Abalaka PhD; Moses Iorakaa Ayoosu PhD

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no9.2025.pg70.82

📄 Download Paper

Integrating Daylighting Strategies for Enhanced Visual Comfort in the Design of Bingham University Library Karu, Nasarawa

Deborah Gana Balami, Labaran D Abalaka PhD and Moses Iorakaa Ayoosu PhD

Abstract

This study investigates the role of daylighting strategies in enhancing daylight performance in the design of a proposed university library at Bingham University, Karu. In the context of Nigeria’s persistent electricity supply challenges and rising operational costs of alternative energy sources, the research explores how optimized daylighting can reduce reliance on artificial lighting while improving visual comfort for library users. A mixed-methods approach, comprising case study analysis of selected academic libraries and simulation- based daylight performance evaluation, was adopted. Findings reveal that higher window-to- wall ratios (WWR) increase natural illumination and user satisfaction, but also introduce challenges of glare and thermal discomfort in the absence of shading devices or advanced glazing. The study identifies building orientation, window placement, shading integration, and reflective interior finishes as critical factors for achieving uniform daylight distribution and energy efficiency. The research recommends context-sensitive design strategies that align architectural form and fenestration with sustainable daylighting principles. By demonstrating the potential of daylighting to improve learning environments while lowering energy costs, the study contributes to sustainable campus design discourse in Nigeria.

Keywords

DaylightingEnergy efficiencyLibraryNigeriaVisual comfort.

References

Altan, H., Beckett, C., & Roberts, J. (2022). Daylighting strategies and their role in reducing operational energy demand in university buildings. Energy and Buildings, 259, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.111871 Aluko, O., Ale, T., & Yunus, R. (2022). Daylighting strategy and student comfort in Nigerian academic libraries. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Design, 11(2), 55–70. Awwad, R., Abu Hammad, A., & Al-Saadi, I. (2021). Evaluating daylight performance in academic libraries: A case study of Jordanian universities. Architectural Science Review, 64(5), 432–445. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2021.1884330 Ayoosu, M. I., Abalaka, L. D., & Chigbata, D. U. (2020). Fenestration and daylighting in hot climates: A Nigerian perspective. Nigerian Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 5(1), 33–48. Bai, W., et al. (2024). Atrium lighting strategies for institutional buildings in arid regions. Solar Energy in Architecture, 28(1), 15–27. Çelik, Ö, & ?nan, T. (2023). Transforming university libraries: Sustainability and user experience. International Journal of Academic Design, 8(1), 50–64. Ghosh, A., & Neogi, S. (2021). Daylighting and occupant comfort: A parametric simulation approach. Building and Environment, 205, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108229 Hammad, F., & Abu-Hijleh, B. (2023). Optimizing daylight design strategies in higher education spaces: Simulation-based evidence from the Middle East. Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 16(2), 145–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/19401493.2022.2098721 Jafarian, A., & Jusan, M. M. (2020). Integrating daylighting strategies for energy-efficient library design in tropical climates. Sustainable Cities and Society, 55, 102026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102026 Klain Gabbay, S., & Shoham, S. (2019). The evolving role of university libraries in digital knowledge sharing. Journal of Library Innovation, 10(1), 3–14. Kurniasih, S., Pradana, D. A., & Susanti, R. (2020). Daylighting efficiency and its role in building sustainability. International Journal of Building Sciences, 22(3), 87–94. Li, N., Li, Z., & Chen, W. (2020). Useful daylight illuminance metrics and indoor wellbeing. Building and Environment, 181, 106950 Li, D. H. W., Wong, S. L., & Yang, L. (2021). Daylighting and visual comfort analysis in learning spaces: Post-occupancy evaluation approach. Building and Environment, 196, 107805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107805 Mardaljevic, J., Heschong, L., & Lee, E. S. (2015). Daylighting metrics and design evolution. Lighting Research & Technology, 47(6), 621–636. Mohamed, S., & Elbeltagi, I. (2024). Integrating daylighting and energy performance: Simulation-driven design guidelines for academic buildings. Journal of Cleaner Production, 414, 137539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137539 Tashakkori, A., Johnson, R. B., & Teddlie, C. (2020). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). SAGE. United Nations. (2023). Global Sustainable Development Report (2023). Washington, DC: United Nations. Retrieved December 13, 2024 from https//unstats.un.org/sdgs Zhang, Y., & Chen, Q. (2022). Impacts of window-to-wall ratio on daylighting and energy consumption in academic libraries. Renewable Energy, 194, 1164–1176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.05.027

Integrating Daylighting Strategies for Enhanced Visual Comfort in the Design of Bingham University Library Karu, Nasarawa

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT