A research on the impact of daylighting in Conference centres

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JOMO KENYATTA UNIVESTY OF AGRICULTURE AND
TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES
NATURAL LIGHTING AS A MEANS OF ENHANCING USER
EXPERIENCE IN CONFERENCING FACILITIES: THE CASE
OF A BEACH RESORT
BRIAN GITAHI GIKONYO
ABS 211-0014/2018

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DECLARATION
I declare that this research is my own. It has not been submitted before by me for any other degree, part of degree or examination at this or any
other university.
Signed: ……………………………..
Date: …………………………………
Brian Gitahi Gikonyo ABS 211-0014/2018, B. A.S 4(Author)
Signed: ……………………………
Date: ………………………………
Arch. Nicholas Onyango (B.A.S 4; Supervisor)
Signed: …………………………….
Date: ………………………………
Arch Nadi Hashim Omar (Chairman Department of Architecture, JKUAT)
Submitted………………………
Date ……………………………….

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DEDICATIONS
To my parents, John Muritu and Susan Njoki, for their undying love and their support and sacrifice throughout the years to ensure I am successful
in all my endeavours both academic and non-academic
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the following for their contributions and support has made this work possible.
I would like to appreciate my supervisor Arch. Nicholas Onyango for the guidance from the start and through the development of this work.
My profound appreciation to my lecturers, Arch. Mugo R, Arch. Mirera C, Arch. Shikuku J. and the entire teaching staff of the Department of
Architecture, JKUAT for guidance and imparting invaluable knowledge.
I would like to thank my colleagues in B. Arch class of 2022 for their support, contribution and critic.
INSPIRATION
“We are born of light. The seasons are felt through light. We only know the world as it is evoked by light.”
Louis Kahn – Architect

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ABSTRACT
Human beings are diurnal in nature meaning they have twenty four hour cycle where they are more active during the day rather than the night.
This means they conduct most the activities in the day. With the growing urban areas in today’s world most of the building designed are built to
meet the basic need of the intended function of a space with emphasis for quantity rather than quality, leading to building which most of the users
do not have access sunlight which is essential for their physiological and psychological wellbeing.
Beach resorts are destination for various tourists often from these urban areas to get away from the hostile urban environment to relax. Exposure to
the daylight is essential to create a relaxing environment and with the aim to maximize it, it is brought into indoor spaces. The daylight should be
sufficient to allow the intended function to be performed in a space comfortable, that is, visual comfort. It should also not have an effect to thermal
comfort of users of space since daylight is associated with solar heat gain in spaces.

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Contents
1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................................8
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.5 STUDY VARIABLES.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
1.6 DEFINATION OF TERMS......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.6.1 THEORETICAL DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................................9
1.6.2 OPERTIONAL DEFINITIONS........................................................................................................................................................................................10
1.7 STUDY ASSUMPTIONS........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.8 STUDY SIGNIFICANCE.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.9 STUDY LIMITATIONS............................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
1.10 STUDY SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
2 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................................................................12
2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 HISTORY OF NATURAL LIGHTING IN ARCHITECTURE............................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.1 Natural lighting in vernacular African architecture...........................................................................................................................................................12
2.2.2 Natural lighting after the discovery of glass .....................................................................................................................................................................13

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2.2.3 Takeover of artificial lighting ...........................................................................................................................................................................................15
2.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................................................................................ 16
2.3.1 DAYLIGHT......................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
2.3.2 Conceptual model for design.............................................................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.3 Daylight availability in Kisumu ........................................................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.4 USER EXPERIENCE .......................................................................................................................................................................................................19
2.4 CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
2.4.1 Attributes of day lighting ..................................................................................................................................................................................................20
2.5 DAYLIGHTING STARTEGIES............................................................................................................................................................................... 22
2.6 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
2.6.1 ORIENTATION....................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
2.6.2 FLOOR PLANS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
2.6.3 SOLAR SHADING................................................................................................................................................................................................................27
2.6.4 GLAZING ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................29
2.7 VISUAL FIELD............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
2.8 GLARE ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
2.8.1 Direct glare........................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
2.8.2 Indirect glare .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
3 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLGY................................................................................................................................................33
3.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
3.3 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF CASE STUDIES ................................................................................................................................................................ 33
3.4 SOURCES OF DATA ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33

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3.5 RESAERCH METHODS .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34
3.6 DATA COLLECTION AND RECORDING TOOLS ............................................................................................................................................................... 35
3.6.1 DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.6.2 RECORDING TOOLS ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.7 DATA PRESENTATION.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
4 CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES.......................................................................................................................................................................36
4.1 CHIPPING NORTON LEISURE CENTRE........................................................................................................................................................................... 36
4.2 YANGMEI REST AREA .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41
4.3 LAKE NAIVASHA SOPA LODGE; RESTAURANT AND CONFERENCE HALL ....................................................................................................................... 44
5 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................47
5.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
5.2 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
5.2.1 Daylight characteristics .....................................................................................................................................................................................................47
5.2.2 User experience ................................................................................................................................................................................................................48
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 48
5.3.1 Day lighting strategies.......................................................................................................................................................................................................48

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1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hotel resort and conferencing needs in the Kisumu region have been in an upsurge due to the branding done by the county government of Kisumu
and the national government to portray it a peaceful, safe and attractive destination for conference tourism. There also has been an increase in the
number of NGOs in the region dealing with issues of health and social, economic, spiritual and political well-being of the region. The region is a
central hub for the East African community due to its strategic location within close proximity to neighbouring countries such as Uganda and
Tanzania. It is also a gateway into the western region of Kenya thereby attracting visitors on transit.
Conference tourism is form of tourism where people travel to attend work meetings, events, conventions and incentives. It is a developing sector
of the tourism economy and unlike holiday tourism it is not seasonal as working goes on throughout the year leading to most investors in the
tourism industry to incline towards it so as to have booking even during the low season. Construction of quality conference facilities alongside the
normal rest and recreation facilities for holiday tourism is key to ensure income for the resort throughout the year. Bringing in daylight into the
spaces within conferencing facilities in the resort will help improve user experience in this spaces which are the key attraction for conference
tourist.
.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
The growth of industrialization led to the growth of large urban centres where humans live in work in. With the increasing urban population, most
developments are designed to meet the demand for quantity rather than quality. Work places are the most affected as they are viewed place of
much importance to the employees yet the employees spend most of their active hours in his space. An aspect such as natural lighting is not given
much importance in workspaces as it can be easily replaced with artificial lighting. With the employees spending most of their daytime in their
workspaces they are not able to receive adequate sunlight which is beneficial to their physiological and psychological wellbeing.

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When designing conferencing facilities in a beach resort, the aspect of sunlight is essential to create a conducive environment for conferencing
functions . It is also important to consider the problems that arise from bringing sunlight into an indoor space and how to negate them. One the
problem is glare that causes visual discomfort and is caused by too much light in the room. The other is increased thermal heat gain into the indoor
spaces which causes thermal discomfort.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the methods of bringing in natural light into indoor work spaces?
2. What is the relationship between natural lighting in a space and the user experience occupants of the space?
3. What are the methods of preventing solar heat gain in indoor space?
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To identify the methods of bringing in natural light into architectural spaces.
2. To establish the relationship between natural lighting of a space and user experience of the space.
3. To identify the methods of preventing solar heat gain in indoor spaces.
1.5 STUDY VARIABLES
Independent variable: natural lighting is the independent variable.
Dependent variable: user experience is the dependent variable.
1.6 DEFINATION OF TERMS
1.6.1 THEORETICAL DEFINITIONS
Natural light: light generated from the sun.
Space: it is a volume defined by architectural elements designated for the function of work by humans.

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Visual comfort: an individual’s reaction to the light in particular space.
1.6.2 OPERTIONAL DEFINITIONS
Illuminance: it is the total amount of light incident on a surface per unit area.
1.7 STUDY ASSUMPTIONS
- Natural lighting as property was more significant than any other design aspect in the design and construction of conferencing facilities in a
beach resort.
- The research design formulated is the best for the study.
- The data collection techniques and measurement used are most appropriate and accurate for the variables in the study.
1.8 STUDY SIGNIFICANCE
Conference tourism is an upcoming trend in the Kenya and most developers are adapting it in construction of their resort as it is not seasonal
ensuring the establishments generate high revenue throughout the year.
Designing the best conference facilities that provide good working conditions for tourist is important as it is one of the major attractions for
conference tourist within the beach resort.
1.9 STUDY LIMITATIONS
Time constraints
Limited time to carry out research and documentation as the time allocated for the study is not adequate.

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Bottlenecks in gathering information
Formal documentation on conferencing facilities in beach resorts is limited or almost non-existent. Most documentation focuses conferencing
facilities in office spaces.
1.10 STUDY SCOPE
1. Geographical scope
The scope of the research is limited to the Kisumu region of Kenya.
2. Theoretical scope
The study will be confined to architectural aspects only with the respect to natural lighting in spaces within conferencing facilities within beach
resorts. It will investigate various methods of achieving natural lighting in indoor spaces to create conducive working spaces.
3. Methodological scope
Various research deign methods will be adopted to achieve the set study objectives. The methods include
a.) Archival methods
This involves an extensive review of similar and related works and studies previously done in other journals, books, magazines and other written
publications.
b.) Comparative case study methods
This involves analysis of existing work spaces in beach resorts both locally and internationally.

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2 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we will review literature on the development of day lighting in human dwellings and also the ways of achieving optimum
day lighting without compromising visual comfort and thermal comfort.
2.2 HISTORY OF NATURAL LIGHTING IN ARCHITECTURE
From the earliest days of man on earth when they lived in simple dwellings such as caves daylight informed the lives by the difference
between day and night.
As humans evolved their dwellings became more sophisticated and openings were created in these dwellings to let in sun light as it was
the only source of light.
2.2.1 Natural lighting in vernacular African architecture
2.2.1.1.1 Darkness under a blazing sun (Elias Baumgarten 2021)
Most parts of Africa are found within the tropics and therefore receive daylight during the year. Most of the vernacular architecture
especially within the sub-Saharan Africa region was characterized with dwellings with mostly dark interiors.
This was due to the fact that these dwelling only had small apertures to let in light during the day. The small aperture limited thermal heat
gain and heat loss as the region is characterized by relatively hotter daytime time temperature and relatively cooler temperatures during the
night. Also due to the absence transparent material this apertures had to be small as they were bare to avoid bringing harmful elements of
the outdoor environment into the interiors.

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Figure 2-1 Day lighting in vernacular African architecture
Most of the activities were carried out outdoors under the sun. Cooking was the main activity carried out indoors during the day and
therefore most of the dwellings had the cooking place located in front of the door as it was largest opening in the houses and therefore
brought in the most light. To try and reduce thermal heat gain in such a large opening screen were used to shade them. These screens were
made from locally available materials such as papyrus and wooden sticks.
2.2.2 Natural lighting after the discovery of glass
Glass revolutionized natural lighting for its transparent nature allowed it to transmit light and also provided a physical barrier between the
indoor and outdoor environment. Glass was first discovered in Egypt as early as 3000 B.C. The Egyptians mostly used to make decorative
objects. The earliest use glass to infill window openings was during the Roman period. The glass panes were hand blown therefore were
relatively small due to the production method.
In the seventeenth century technical knowledge for production of large panes was developed. This allowed construction of larger glazed
windows. Initially these glazed window openings’ shapes and location were functionally related to the role they played in day lighting.

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During the renaissance era the location and form of the window became more formalized, often being less related to the interior space the
served and the emphasis given to the appearance of the building as seen from outside.
Figure 2-2 windows with emphasis on aesthetics of the exterior elevation.
Vertical windows on the exterior walls were the main means of day lighting interior spaces. The development of large stately homes led to
necessity for overhead lighting for central spaces and glass allowed for these without the entry of external elements such as rainfall and
dust. These was done in several forms such as the dome in Keddleston Hall (1759) where light enters from the top or Chiswick house
(1725) where the dome has windows on its side that allow light in. it is in that with the interest of this method of introducing daylight to
the centre of a building has resonance with the atria which we see with many buildings today.

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Figure 2-3 Keddlestone Hall dome with an oculus for top lighting.
2.2.3 Takeover of artificial lighting
Day lighting remained the primary all types of building till the early twentieth century when great advancements had been in the electrical
sector with great efficiency of electrical sources. The primary role of role of day lighting began to be questioned
The growth of the workplace in the nineteenth century had seen buildings requiring high level of light. This was achieved by planning
long horizontal windows where daylight close to the window wall was sufficient. With pressure to decrease floor to floor heights the
amount of daylight entering this spaces was insufficient and artificial lighting was introduced to supplement natural lighting.
By 1960 it was viewed the artificial lighting was the most viable source of primary lighting where vision efficiency is combined with
economic analysis of a buildings’ function (McGraw Hill 1964).

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Professor Alex Hardy, a professor of architecture, in 1960 stated that the first the decision an architect had to make when planning a
building was the level light and the nature of the electric source. This led to total disregard of daylight as a source of light in work places.
It was not until the energy crisis, it was realized that our reliance on fossil fuels had limitations, that people started to question the high
energy approach and began to look for ways to reduce the electricity load of buildings. One of the obvious ways was reverting back to day
lighting as the primary source of light.
2.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.3.1 DAYLIGHT
Daylight is produced by the sun, a star at the centre of the solar system. There three types of daylight that reaches a space:
1.) DIRECT SUNLIGHT
This is light directly from the sun incident into a space. It strikes with parallel beams with high luminous flux that can create visual
discomfort caused by excessive contrast.

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Figure 2-4
2.) SKY DOME LIGHT
It is associated with an overcast sky, clear sky and partly cloudy sky.
Overcast sky- this is complete cloud cover in the sky which illuminates white light. Its lighting intensity ranges from 5-10% of the direct
sun which is more than enough to perform visual task in indoor spaces.
Clear sky – daylight here consists of direct light and diffuse light from the blue sky. Illumination under a clear sky is relatively high.
Partly cloudy sky- it is characterized by cloud that do no not completely cover the sky. It has more diffuseness than a clear sky.
3.) Reflected light
It is also referred to as albedo light. It is light reflected from external surface such as the ground or neighbouring structures.

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2.3.2 Conceptual model for design
A conceptual frame work is essential for designer to understand lighting. One approach is the source-path-target. When the location of the
source of light and the target are determined, the designer can plan whether a direct or a reflected path is required. However this concept is
limited to when the source of light is singular, the sun, and the path is specular which is not. It is difficult to extend this concept where
there are distributed sources of light such as the sky dome and also diffusing path elements.
2.3.3 Daylight availability in Kisumu
The Kisumu region in Kenya is located along latitude 0.18400
South of the Equator and longitude 34.840
east. With such close proximity
to the Equator, the region has almost equal day and night hours throughout the year. The sun follows an overhead path throughout the
year.
Figure 2-5 Sun path diagram for Kisumu

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2.3.4 USER EXPERIENCE
Light in architectural space allows for performance of visual tasks and evokes emotions to the occupants. These factors affect the user
experience in the space.
Day lighting the following environmental aspects into an architectural space:
1.) Variety
Day lighting has the capacity. There is the change from dawn till dusk which is brought about by the rotation of the earth. Then there is the
change brought about by changes in weather. This allows for day light to continuously alter appearance of a space with time which enables
us to continuously explore the space. This breaks monotony in the appearance of a space.
The human eye has capacity to adapt to this changes and exposure to this changes allows for a natural process of renewal of
photochemical processes of the eye that allows it to adapt to changes in light.
2.) Modelling
Modelling of a shape is derived from a physical form which is brought about by the play of light on its surfaces. This provides a form that
can be perceived by the eye. Daylight by its nature gives meaning and aids our understanding of a shape or space by its direction flow; a
meaning which is further emphasized by the addition of direct sunlight.
3.) Orientation
At the outset, the orientation of building must considered to allow for maximum use of natural light. This affects the spatial planning of
different spaces in regard to their time of use and the position of the sun.
Also the mere presence of daylight is reassuring to humans as they tend to subconsciously move towards daylight as it fulfils the desires to
keep in touch with nature when indoors.

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4.) Sunlight effect
Sunlight creates delight in humans and therefore it is important an element of sit is available in indoor spaces. Whenever sunlight is
available there is a strong desire to perceive it, and disappointment when its unnecessary excluded. Even the view of a sunlit landscape
from window that do not admit light may be enjoyed.
5.) Health
In the classic principles of harmony proportion and symmetry, Vitruvius emphasized that architects should select healthy sites for their
building and that careful design prevented illness. In the parts of the world that are beyond the tropics, which are affected by the four
seasons, lack of sunlight has been attributed to be responsible for ‘Seasonal Affected Disorder’. Poor lighting has also been associated to
eye discomfort, poor posture, dry or itching eyes, migraines and headaches.
2.4 CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK
2.4.1 Attributes of day lighting
2.4.1.1 Luminance and illuminance
Luminance is the luminous intensity per unit area of light travel in specific direction. It is attributed to the perceived sensation of
brightness. It measured in candela.
Illuminance is the total amount of luminous flux incident on a surface. It is measured in lux
2.4.1.2 Light spectrum
Visible light consist of a spectrum ranging from 780 nanometre wavelength to 380nanometer. Various wavelengths are perceived as
different colours with red with the longest wavelength and violet with the shortest wavelength.

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Figure 2-6 light spectrum chart
2.4.1.3 Refraction
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another
2.4.1.4 Colour temperature
When an objected is heated it will emit a colour that is directly related to the temperature of the object. The higher the colour temperature
the more ‘blue’ the light and the lower the colour temperature the more ‘red’ the light. Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin
(K).
Colour temperatures over 5,000K are referred to as cool and have a bluish white appearance while lower colour temperatures, 2700-
3000K, are referred to as warm with yellowish to white appearance. Daylight has a colour temperature of around 6000K.
2.4.1.5 Contrast
It is difference in brightness between a detail and it immediate background. Contrast is necessary for visual tasks but the level of contrast
required varies depending on the task.

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Figure 2-7 contrast
2.5 DAYLIGHTING STARTEGIES
2.5.1.1 Side Lighting
This technique uses opening on the exterior façade of a building to allow day light into a space. These openings are mostly covered with
transparent or translucent materials. Windows are the most common method of side lighting, but other methods like glazed curtain walls
are also used.

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Figure 2-8 windows for side lighting
Figure 2-9 glass curtain wall for day lighting
2.5.1.2 Top lighting
This is a lighting method that admits light into a building through the roof. Top lighting is suitable for large structure where areas further
from the periphery do not receive daylight from the windows. The common methods are skylights, roof monitors, clerestories and atria.

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Skylights: they are glazed opening placed along the roof profile to admit light in.
Figure 2-10 skylight
Roof monitors: They are window monitors that face more than one direction and are operable on the roof to allow light in a building.
They can also be used for ventilation.

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Figure 2-11 roof monitors
Figure 2-12 clerestory
Clerestory: they are openings on the roof that face one direction. They rely on reflection to transmit the light they admit to the spaces
below.
Atria: it is an interior space enclosed on two or more sides by the walls of the building, and day lit from a roof of transparent or
translucent material. It permits entry of light other interior spaces linked to it by glazed or unglazed openings.

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2.5.1.3 LIGHT TUBES
It is an innovative method of day lighting that uses a reflective tube to transmit light from the roof of a building to lower levels. Whilst it
can be used to direct light through several floors, this has the disadvantage of locating the pipes in the upper floors taking up useful floor
space.
2.6 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
2.6.1 ORIENTATION
To allow maximum natural light into a building its orientation must be considered at the inception of its design. With the site in an
equatorial location, solar heat gain should be avoided by orienting the main windows to face the north and south.
2.6.2 FLOOR PLANS
The increasing need to maximize on day lighting in deep plans led development of E and H plan buildings that allow maximum lighting of
most parts of the building. Daylight penetration in room can reach up to 6 meters away from the windows. With square plans some central
parts of the plan away from the periphery may not receive adequate lighting. Use of narrower rectangular plan allows for all part of the
floor plan to be within close proximity to the windows ensuring they receive adequate daylight.

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2.6.3 SOLAR SHADING
The BRE pamphlet ‘Solar Shading of Buildings’ states the principal need for solar shading are as follows:
1.) Reduction of heat gain from the sun
2.) Reduction of sun glare
3.) Provision of privacy.
Solar solution can be broadly divided into two.
a.) External shading
The following methods are available: overhangs and canopies, light shelves, fixed and movable louvers, shutters, vertical fins, deep
window reveals, egg-crate baffles and roller blinds. When choosing an external shading method it is crucial to take into consideration the
long term viability of the hardware involved in context of the climatic conditions on site and also its effect on the exterior appearance on
the building.

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Figure 2-13 exterior shading devices
b.) Internal shading
It is important to note that that any form of shading within the building envelope is less efficient in the control of heat gain than an
external device. This is because the heat which is generated has already entered the building and is difficult to extract. However it is easier
to maintain and clean and has longer life cycle as it is not exposed to outdoor weather elements. They are still rather effective in glare
control.

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Curtains are the most universally used method of internal shading. Other methods include venetian blinds, internal louvers and internal
lighting shelves. Materials used for internal roof shading are required to be highly reflective so as to reflect away as much solar radiation
to reduce solar heat gain.
Figure 2-14 Interior shading devices
2.6.4 GLAZING
Advancements in technology have made it possible to have a large amount alternative glazing for openings in structure. The architect can
write detailed specifications on the type of glazing used depending on its thermal, acoustic and light transmittance qualities.
1.) Clear glazing
This can be a single sheet, double or triple glazed or alternatively a thick glass. With greater thickness the amount of daylight diminishes
although the impression of colour of the exterior will still be perceived as natural. Clear glass whilst allowing a high transmission of
daylight, will at the same time allow high transmission of solar heat gain on certain facades.
2.) Tinted glass

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This is glass coated with microscopically thin layers of metallic oxides which reflect heat away from the building. These coating are
applied to the inside layer of glass in association with other panes in as double glazed unit since they are on their own vulnerable to
damage. This coated glass has high daylight transmittance, due to the thin layer of reflective material and also do not obstruct the view.
However it should be used with care to avoid the danger of glare to users of the surrounding environment.
3.) Miscellaneous glazing
This includes patterned glass, wired glass, laminated glass and glass blocks.
Patterned glass
Patterns can be rolled onto semi-molten glass for decorative purpose. Such glass is rarely used for day lighting for its transmission is
modified by the pattern which creates diffusing sheets.
Wired glass
It is made by sandwiching a wire mesh between within the thickness of glass to reduce it brittleness. This is generally used in security
situations and also as a protection to vulnerable skylights.
Laminated glass
It is made by laminating sheets of plastic between sheets of glass to increase its resistance to impact. The sheets of plastic reduce
transmission of daylight.
Laminated glass is used in museum to protect exhibits in a museum, where sheets of UV absorbing filters are laminated between sheets of
glass.
Glass blocks
Glass block have been a popular form of glass walls and also have low thermal transmittance due to the hollow nature. With glass block
alternatives openings have to be provided for views and ventilation.

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Figure 2-15 Glass block
2.7 VISUAL FIELD
Vision is the ability to gain information through light entering the eyes. Light enters the eye through an opening in the iris called the pupil.
The pupil has the ability to change in diameter to adapt to the changes of light in the environment. The cornea focuses light on the cornea
to form an image which is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.
The retina had two types of cells. One is the cone cells that are sensitive to colour and detail but not to light, they are used high light
levels. Rod cells are sensitive to light and on t to colour and details, they are used in low light levels.
Peripheral vision in the vertical direction is limited to a field of 1300
due to facial feature while on the horizontal direction the field of view
is 1800
. Although the eye is capable of adapting to changes in light extreme changes may cause discomfort to the eye and there its
necessary to allow a ease of transition for spaces with different levels of illumination.
2.8 GLARE
Glare is visual interference that is caused by excessive brightness in the field of vision. The two main types of glare are direct glare and
indirect glare.

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2.8.1 Direct glare
It is caused a light source in the field view that is sufficiently that is bright enough to cause annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual
performance. It is called discomfort glare when it produces physical discomfort and disability glare when it reduces visual performance
and visibility.
2.8.2 Indirect glare
It is caused by reflections of a light source on highly reflective surfaces such as polished floors and glossy table tops. It can be best
avoided by specifying flat or matte finishes.

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3 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses details on how the research for this study will be conducted. The methodology aims at addressing the study
objective put forward in chapter one using primary and secondary sources of data, observations and field work. This includes published
materials by researchers on day lighting in architectural spaces to help understand the success or shortcoming for various designs in their
aim to achieve day lighting.
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN
Case studies on existing projects were used to gather relevant information. Studies on existing designs of buildings both locally and
internationally were analysed to identify the ideal design for different spaces in different regions.
3.3 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF CASE STUDIES
The selection for the case study was done on the basis of the objectives of the study. It focused on buildings that have successfully
achieved day lighting in a space to allow the intended function to be performed efficiently.
3.4 SOURCES OF DATA
The study made use of primary and secondary sources of information.

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Primary sources: the primary sources made use of data collected through observation of activities within the lake Naivasha Sopa lodge
using photographs of the facility.
Secondary sources: Secondary sources of information collected through comprehensive literature review sourced from relevant books,
journals, articles, research papers and published case studies.
3.5 RESAERCH METHODS
Table 1 Research methods
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES DATA COLLECTION
METHODS
TECHNIQUE TOOLS FOR DATA
COLLETION
To identify methods for bring in
day light into an architectural
space.
Literature review
Archival method
Case studies
Literature review
Note taking
sketching
Books
Journal
Internet
To establish the relationship
between natural lighting and
user experience in a space.
Literature review
Archival information
Case studies
Observation
Literature review
Note taking
Sketch pads
Books
Journals
To identify the solar shading
strategies used with natural
lighting systems to prevent heat
gain.
Literature review
Archival methods
Case studies
Observation
Literature review
Note taking
sketching
Sketchpads
Journals
Books
internet

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3.6 DATA COLLECTION AND RECORDING TOOLS
3.6.1 DATA COLLECTION
Sketches
They are to be used to record visual data of the areas of interest of the study.
Observational checklists
Involves ticking off and filling a prepared list of features that predetermined to be ideal. This ideal for comparison purposes and will help
he observation method of enabling acquisition of standard data on the selected case studies.
Case studies
Involves an intensive analysis on existing project that have used natural lighting to enhance user experience in various spaces selected
from both local and international cases.
3.6.2 RECORDING TOOLS
a.) Sketchpad and writing material
b.) Pre-coded check list
c.) Internet
3.7 DATA PRESENTATION
The following are the methods that will be used in presenting data that will be collected from the fieldwork.
a) Sketches and drawings
b) Photos
c) Tables

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4 CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES
4.1 CHIPPING NORTON LEISURE CENTRE
Architect: Fielden Clegg Bradley
Lighting consultant: Brian Ford Associates.
Client: West Oxfordshire District Council.
Location: United Kingdom
Year: 2002
The centre houses a 25 metre by four lanes swimming pool, a four court sports hall, gym, dance studio and three squash courts. The
design explored solution to allow the sports hall and swimming pool to efficiently operate in the daylight hours with the need for artificial
lighting.
Due to the large size of the two spaces side lighting would not be sufficient to adequately light the space.

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Figure 4-1 Chipping Norton Leisure Centre Floor plan
The swimming pool has large windows down the west side of the pool which make the significant contribution of day lighting into the
space. This is supplemented by roof lights running the length of the pool on both sides. The day lighting design used obviates reflected
glare off the water from obscuring the view of the swimmers.

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Figure 4-2 swimming pool
Figure 4-3 Section through swimming pool

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In the sports hall a different approach was adopted. It uses roof lights that run overhead the hall. The floors of the court are polished and to
avoid reflected glare fabric diffusers have been introduced to reflect away solar glare. The diffusers also spread the light from the skylight
evenly across the sports hall.
Figure 4-4 skylight with fabric diffusers in the sports hall

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Figure 4-5 Sports hall
Figure 4-6 Section through the sports hall

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4.2 YANGMEI REST AREA
Architects: Betty Chou Architects and associates, Chin Ying Hao Architects/
Location: Taoyuoan City, Taiwan
Year: 2022
Yangmei Rest Area is convenient store and restroom facilities locate a long a major highway in Taiwan. The main design concept was to
bring in nature and clarity into the overly artificial highway environment. The building combines a giant roof, three cylinders and mesh
cladded tower. The tower houses the convenient store at the ground floor and mechanical space at above. The rest room are arranged in
three cylinders.
Figure 4-7 Yangmei Rest Area floor plan

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At the centre of each cylinder is garden court open to the sky, landscaped with selective planning surrounded by white cobblestone-paved
drainage. The day lit courtyard is the focal point for inwards restroom of each cylinder, offering maximum visibility which enhances
queuing effectiveness and also reduces concerns regarding public safety. The courtyards allow light into the spaces while still providing
privacy to the washrooms.
Figure 4-8 day lit courtyard
The large roof is supported above the rest of the structure by silver steel columns to create a spacious loggia that allows daylight to reach
the interior spaces. It also allows for free movement of air the aid in passive cooling and ventilation.
Around the garden the roof is gently turned down allowing it to reflect daylight into the rest rooms area in an ethereal way. This design
enriches people’s short stay in the rest area by creating a sense of place, away from the endless driving and noises where they can interacts
with vegetation and watch sunlight moving through a court.

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Figure 4-9 Courtyard
Figure 4-10 Courtyard

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4.3 LAKE NAIVASHA SOPA LODGE; RESTAURANT AND CONFERENCE HALL
Location: Naivasha, Kenya.
The Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is located along the shores of Lake Naivasha along latitude 00
48’ south of the equator. Its restaurant and
conference hall consist of two buildings adjacent to each other. Each building has used different day lighting strategies to a successfully achieve its
intended function.
Figure 4-11 Sketch floor plan for restaurant and conference hall
The restaurant is has curved floor plan that encloses an open to sky garden. Along the curved wall large vertical clear glazed windows have been
used to allow natural light into the restaurant. The large windows not only allow daylight but also allow the users to enjoy an extensive view of the
lake. The day light from the windows is supplemented using dormer windows.

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Figure 4-12 Section through restaurant to show day lighting and solar shading
Due to its curved nature some of the window openings are oriented along the east-west while others lie along the north-south. To reduce the effect
of solar heat gain and glare during the low morning and evening sun, the structure was built around existing trees, mostly acacia, whose canopy
provide solar shading to the building. For the high afternoon sun eave overhangs have been used to shelter the windows from the direct sunlight.
Figure 4-13 Restaurant

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The conferences hall has used a single large clerestory window to light the room. The room is lit through diffuse lighting where light is admitted
into the building through the clerestory window and dispersed into the room by the roof and white wall finish. This reduces the effect of glare on
the work plane and also ensures the room is uniformly lit. The clerestory window is shade by an eave overhang of the roof so as not to admit direct
day light that may cause glare.
Figure 4-14 Conference hall
Figure 4-15 section through conference hall

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5 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter entails a conclusion of the whole research study in the thesis. A conclusion of all the objectives and
the crucial points leaned from the study.
5.2 CONCLUSION
5.2.1 Daylight characteristics
The research is based in the Kisumu region in Kenya which is near the Equator therefore experiences an almost
equal amount of day and night hours throughout the year. Design for buildings from the onset should aim for
maximum utilization of daylight in interiors spaces.

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5.2.2 User experience
From the study the following can enhance user experience in spaces lit by natural lighting:
1.) Adequate illuminace to carry out intended task.
2.) Minimizing glare
3.) Minimizing solar heat gain.
4.) Supply fairly ambient illumination through a space.
5.) Allowing access to both internal and external views.
6.) Provision of the necessary privacy gradient for the space.
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.3.1 Day lighting strategies
i.) Orient the longer side the building along the North south axis to allow for day lighting with limited solar heat gain.
ii.) Use of trees to provide solar shading as they canopies are high so they do not obscure the view of the lake.
iii.) For enclosed private spaces views and day lighting can be provided using a courtyard within the space without compromising the
privacy the space.
iv.) For rooms with high head rooms diffuse sky lighting should be used to ensure they are uniformly lit.
v.) Use roof overs hang to provide shading for windows.
vi.) Use reflective material for paving outside the windows to ensure the light getting in through them is diffuse lighting which has fewer
glares.
vii.) Use of highly reflective material in deep spaces to reflect light into the deeper parts of the room.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.) Phillips, D. (2004). Daylighting. Oxford: Architectural Press.
2.) Al-Ashwal, N. (2018). International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies
http://TuEngr.com THE IMPACT OF DAYLIGHTING-ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING INTEGRATION ON BUILDING OCCUPANTS’ HEALTH AND
PERFORMANCE. International Transaction Journal Of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.
3.) Yangmei Rest Area / Betty Chou Architect & Associates + Chin Ying Hao Architect. (2022). Retrieved 27 September 2022, from
https://www.archdaily.com/987974/yangmei-rest-area-betty-chou-architect-and-associates-plus-chin-ying-hao-
architect?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab
4.) Treado, S., Gillette, G., & Kusuda, T. (1984). Daylighting with windows, skylights, and clerestories. Energy And Buildings, 6(4), 319-330.
doi: 10.1016/0378-7788(84)90015-x
5.) Robinson, A., & Selkowitz, S. (2013). Tips for Daylighting with Windows. Ernest Orlando Lawrence Barkely National Laboratory.
6.) Baumgarten, E. (2022). Darkness under a Blazing Sun. Retrieved 18 September 2022, from https://www.world-
architects.com/en/architecture-news/found/darkness-under-a-blazing-sun
7.) Evans, B. H. (1981). Daylight in architecture.
8.) Kéré, F., & Baan, I. (2021). Momentum of Light (1st ed.). Lars Muller Publishers.

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APPENDICES
Figure 2-1 Day lighting in vernacular African architecture.......................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2-2 windows with emphasis on aesthetics of the exterior elevation............................................................................................................... 14
Figure 2-3 Keddlestone Hall dome with an oculus for top lighting. ............................................................................................................................ 15
Figure 2-4 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 2-5 Sun path diagram for Kisumu ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 2-6 light spectrum chart.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 2-7 contrast....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 2-8 windows for side lighting............................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Figure 2-9 glass curtain wall for day lighting ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 2-10 skylight...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 2-11 roof monitors............................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 2-12 clerestory.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Figure 2-13 exterior shading devices........................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 2-14 Interior shading devices............................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Figure 2-15 Glass block ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
Figure 4-1 Chipping Norton Leisure Centre Floor plan................................................................................................................................................ 37
Figure 4-2 swimming pool............................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 4-3 Section through swimming pool................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Figure 4-4 skylight with fabric diffusers in the sports hall........................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 4-5 Sports hall ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Figure 4-6 Section through the sports hall .................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 4-7 Yangmei Rest Area floor plan ..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 4-8 day lit courtyard.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 4-9 Courtyard.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 4-10 Courtyard.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Figure 4-11 Sketch floor plan for restaurant and conference hall............................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 4-12 Section through restaurant to show day lighting and solar shading........................................................................................................ 45
Figure 4-13 Restaurant ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45
Figure 4-14 Conference hall......................................................................................................................................................................................... 46

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Figure 4-15 section through conference hall............................................................................................................................................................... 46