Enhancing Daylight Distribution in Deep-Plan Office Buildings in Malaysia through the Integration of Light-Shelves Techniques

Abstract

Provision optimum daylight distribution in architectural spaces is a challenging task. This study aimed to critically assess the integration of light shelves with glazing façade to enhance the daylighting in rear areas of deep-plan office buildings in Malaysia. A scaled-model experiment was conducted to determine the illumination levels achieved by light shelves. Scaled model results were validated against computer simulation using radiance calculation, it found to be in good agreement, and the results indicated significant Pearson correlations at the 0.01 to 0.04 level. The maximum percentage of Daylight Ratio (DR) differences was 1.8% (≤10%) which is accepted. The results indicated that, there is no common Light Shelf Systems (LSSs) solution under tropics sky. Overall, can considered the best LSSs location and position in different orientations in most cases was found to be one that is L1 at P1 and P2. The results showed the optimum cases achieved a significant increase in illuminance levels in the back of space. Finally, the study confirmed the positive contribution of LSSs as a daylighting system under tropical region. The study proposed a LSSs with dynamic properties which could provide optimum daylighting performance for different sky conditions, times, months and orientations under tropical sky.