The Effect of Vertical Skylights Designed in Buildings on Daylight Illumination

Abstract

The fact that lighting plays an important role in the energy consumed by buildings, which have a large share in the total energy consumption in the world, requires more work to be done on daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting, saves energy in buildings and increases indoor comfort as well. Whether the current energy resources will exist in the future and the extent of the damage to the ecosystem as a result of the deterioration of the natural balance are discussed and discussed from different perspectives. At this point, with the thought of efficient use of energy, studies are carried out to reduce energy consumption and ensure sustainability in the field of lighting. In the building sector, which has a significant share in energy consumption, energy efficient design and sustainable architecture, which aims to use renewable energy sources and reduce energy consumption, are supported by planning and design criteria. In this study, the efficiency of skylights, which is one of the lighting methods with daylight, was investigated in accordance with the criteria specified in the relevant zoning legislation and the daylight standard in buildings. The effect of skylights on visual comfort and daylight performance in residential interiors that do not receive direct sunlight was analyzed with 3 different scenarios on spaces in different directions and floors with the help of the Design Builder simulation program. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the size of the spaces illuminated by the skylight, the length of the facade where the skylight is located, the floor where the space is located and its direction significantly affect the level of illumination. In line with the findings obtained in the study, it has been observed that the minimum skylight values given in the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation in force today do not provide sufficient daylight illumination, especially in the spaces on the ground floor. For this reason, solutions have been proposed to reach the level of visual comfort in spaces.