Simulation Study on Natural Lighting Projection Through Façade Optimisation for A Proposed Disaster and Relief Center

Abstract

Natural and artificial lighting is essential for humans to carry out and support daily routines from simple to complicated tasks. However, insufficient lighting in buildings leads to poor task performance and visual discomfort and may cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) such as itchy, watering eyes, and eye irritation. On the other hand, excessive light, particularly natural lighting, may contribute to heat gain in buildings and thermal discomfort and glare among occupants if a building is not well designed. Previous scholars found that a comfortable indoor environment with proper lighting improves occupants’ performance and satisfaction. Therefore, as a passive design strategy that promotes sustainability, natural lighting projection through façade optimisation is proposed and analysed implemented/studied for a proposed design of the Pontian Disaster and Relief Center. Revit Architecture software is used to develop 3D modelling of the design and simulate the interior solar pattern. Consequently, the application of shading devices is investigated along with on-site data collection to determine the climate pattern and other measurements to create more accurate data. Moreover, a case study on the Diamond Building was referred to assist the researcher for an appropriate pattern or form to maximise the solar radiation image, ultimately creating a new construction system. Finally, this study found that an application of natural lighting system for semi-open concept is considered sufficient towards maintaining occupants’ visual comfort, but solely based on simulation results.