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[Project, natural lighting and comfort indoor]
M Buffoli1, S Capolongo, M Cattaneo
1Dipartimento B.E.S.T, Facoltà di Architettura e Società, Politecnico di Milano. maddalena.buffoli@polimi.it
This study found current Italian laws on natural lighting in homes are too prescriptive and inadequate for architects. Recommendations include updating laws and providing architects with better tools for natural light integration in building design.
Area of Science:
- Building Science
- Environmental Design
- Architectural Engineering
Background:
- The relationship between natural light, sunlight, and indoor health is complex.
- Technological solutions are needed to ensure adequate indoor health while preserving the environment.
- Existing laws often focus on prescriptive requirements for natural lighting in residential indoor environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between architectural design, natural lighting, and residential indoor environments.
- To evaluate the adequacy of current Italian laws regarding natural lighting in residential buildings.
- To propose improvements for architectural design guidance on natural light integration.
Main Methods:
- Described physical and hygienic characteristics of natural lighting.
- Reviewed Italian laws on natural lighting requirements for indoor residential environments.
- Analyzed the Coefficient of Daily Lighting (CDL) in 42 rooms, considering environmental features and window characteristics.
Main Results:
- The minimal requirements for the Coefficient of Daily Lighting (CDL) were met on average with a window-to-floor area ratio exceeding 12.5%.
- Current laws are often prescriptive and do not sufficiently guide architects toward innovative, performance-oriented choices.
- The analysis highlighted deficiencies in existing legislation concerning natural light optimization in indoor spaces.
Conclusions:
- Current laws are inadequate for guiding architects towards quality and performance-oriented design choices regarding natural lighting.
- It is proposed to integrate current laws with improved indications for window surface computation.
- A project-phase document is recommended to support architects in making informed decisions about natural light integration for improved indoor health.
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