Optimizing Visual Comfort through Daylighting Strategies in Architecture Studio Spaces

Deresoma David Tamunonengiyeofori; Ohochuku Chinwennwo Philips

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no10.2025.pg1.22

📄 Download Paper

Optimizing Visual Comfort through Daylighting Strategies in Architecture Studio Spaces

Deresoma David Tamunonengiyeofori, Ohochuku Chinwennwo Philips

Abstract

Daylighting plays a crucial role in creating comfortable and productive environments within an academic space. Architecture students spend extended periods in studio environments, which require optimal visual conditions for concentration and creativity. Visual comfort significantly influences the learning experience and performance of these students. These architectural studio spaces demand high-quality lighting for tasks such as drawing, digital modeling, reading, and peer interaction. Daylighting offers a sustainable solution to optimize illumination while minimizing energy consumption which enhances both comfort and academic output. This paper explored how key strategic daylighting approaches can improve visual comfort in architecture studio spaces. The key daylighting strategies include building orientation, window design and placement, shading systems, and interior reflectance, with their impact evaluated on factors such as daylight distribution, glare and user satisfaction. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining literature review, and case study analysis to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Findings suggest that strategic daylighting strategies such as proper building orientation, light shelves, high-performance glazing, and shading device can optimize visual comfort in the design studios. It demonstrates the critical importance of visual comfort in architectural studios to perform design-related tasks with precision and efficiency. By optimizing visual comfort through daylighting strategies, the architecture studio spaces will not only enhance the student or visitor’s experience but also promote sustainability and energy efficiency.

Keywords

visual comfortdaylighting strategiesarchitectural studio spacesglare control

References

ArchDaily. (2015). Melbourne School of Design / University of Melbourne / NADAAA + John Wardle Architects. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/622708/melbourne-school-of- design-university-of-melbourne-john-wardle-architects-nadaaa ArchDaily. (2015). School of Architecture at the Royal Institute of Technology / Tham & Videgård Arkitekter. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/778460/school-of-architecture-at-the- royal-institute-of-technology-tham-and-videgard-arkitekter Barrett, P. Z. (2015). A holistic, multi-level analysis identifying the impact of classroom design on pupils’ learning. Building and Environment, 89, 118–133. Chi, D. A. (2024). Design Adjustments For Daylighting and Visual Comfort in a Classroom with Conventional Shadings. Journal of Daylighting , 11 (1):165-180. Climate-Data. (2024). Climate: Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.climate.top/nigeria/port-harcourt Denan, Z. A. (2015). An assessment on glare from daylight through various designs of shading devices in hot-humid climate: Case study in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 201, 182–190. Doba, C. Y., Ohochuku, C. P., & Lawson, T. (2024). Enhancing Visitor Engagement and Experience Through Passive Daylighting Design Strategies in Modern Art Museums. RiSU Journal of Built and Natural Environment, 1(1), 66–74. Giarma, C. T. (2017). Daylighting and visual comfort in buildings’ environmental performance assessment tools: A critical review. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 38, 522–529. doi:10.1016/j.proenv.2017.03.116 Harness, J. (2018). The Difference Between Natural & Artificial Light. Hunker: https://www.hunker.com/12003454/the-difference-between-natural-artificial-light Heschong, L. (2015). Thermal delight in architecture. MIT Press. Tekce, D. A. (2021). “An empirical study of visual comfort in office buildings,” in Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies. Springer Science and Business Media, 319–331. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-8131-1_29. Ibrahim, M. A. (2024). The Impact of Lighting Design on Visual Comfort in Architectural Design Studios. The International Journal of Multiphysics, 18(3), 1512 - doi:10.52783/ijm.v18.1451 Küller, R. L. (2018). The influence of light on the well-being and performance of schoolchildren. Lighting Research & Technology, 524-538. doi:10.1177/1477153518774584 Lechner, N. (2015). Heating, cooling, lighting (Design methods for architects, 2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Ohochuku, C. P., Pepple, T. D., & Daminabo, F. F. (2025). Shedding Light on the Daylight Deprivation Paradox: An Architectural Guide to Illuminating Residential Spaces. RiSU Journal of Built and Natural Environment, 1(2), 151–158. Okoro, E. I., & Ohochuku, C. P. (2024). Design Strategies for Thermal Comfort in Faculty of Architecture Building, Port-Harcourt Nigeria. Research Journal of Pure Science and Technology, 7(3), 116–131. doi:10.56201/rjpst.v7.no3.2024.pg114.131 Purnama, M. S. (2025). The effect of window height and orientation for daylighting. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1488. doi:10.1088/1755- 1315/1488/1/012076 Tabadkani, A., Roetzel, A., Li, H. X., & Tsangrassoulis, A. (2021). Daylight in buildings and visual comfort evaluation: The advantages and limitations. Journal of Daylighting, 8(2), 181– https://doi.org/10.15627/jd.2021.16 Time and Date AS. (2024). Time and date: Worldwide. Retrieved May 28, 2025, from https://www.timeanddate.com Wodi, P. N., & Ohochuku, C. P. (2024). Design of passive daylighting strategies to enhance thermal comfort in a mixed-use facility. IRE Journals, 8(2), 461–462.

Optimizing Visual Comfort through Daylighting Strategies in Architecture Studio Spaces

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY