Orientation & Site Planning
• East–west orientation: Maximize south-facing exposure in the northern hemisphere for consistent daylight.
• Zoning spaces: Place primary living/working areas along sunlit façades, while circulation/storage areas go in shaded zones.
• Outdoor living: Position patios, courtyards, or balconies to capture morning light (energizing) while shading against harsh afternoon sun.
Daylighting Design
• Window Placement: Use clerestory windows, skylights, and high windows to pull in diffuse daylight deeper into rooms.
• Light shelves: Reflect natural light onto ceilings, reducing glare while brightening interiors.
• Atriums & courtyards: Bring daylight into building cores and foster air circulation.
• Tubular daylight devices (solar tubes): Funnel sunlight into interior rooms without windows.
Glazing & Materials
• Low-E glazing: Allows visible light in while reducing heat gain and UV.
• Dynamic glass (electrochromic/tinting): Adjusts transparency to control intensity of sunlight throughout the day.
• Reflective & translucent surfaces: White ceilings, pale flooring, or translucent panels bounce light deeper into spaces.
Shading & Solar Control
• Architectural shading: Overhangs, louvers, pergolas, and brise-soleil block high summer sun but allow winter light.
• Landscape integration: Deciduous trees on the south/west sides provide summer shading while letting winter light through.
• Adjustable shading: Interior blinds, sheer curtains, or automated shading for fine control over glare and UV.
Circadian Lighting Design
• Morning light access: Design breakfast areas, fitness rooms, and offices to face east for strong circadian cues.
• Daylight-balanced interiors: Combine natural light with circadian-supportive LEDs that shift in tone and intensity.
• Sunrise/sunset alignment: Frame views to natural horizons so occupants experience the daily rhythm of light.
Biophilic Integration
• Sunlit green walls: Position plant walls or potted plants near daylight for photosynthesis and air quality.
• Natural patterns & shadows: Allow dappled light (through slats, lattice, foliage) to mimic forest light patterns.
• Indoor/outdoor connection: Sliding glass walls or courtyards connect people to sunlight and sky.
Thermal & Comfort Strategies
• Thermal mass: Materials like concrete, stone, or adobe absorb solar heat by day and release it at night.
• Cross ventilation + daylight: Pair sunlight access with operable windows for natural cooling and oxygenation.
• Sunspaces & solariums: Transitional zones (like winter gardens) capture sun warmth in cold climates.
Wellness-Centric Spaces
• Healing environments: Patient rooms, meditation areas, and wellness lounges should maximize soft natural light.
• Workspaces: Position desks within 20 feet of windows to support productivity and reduce eye strain.
• Exercise & movement zones: Orient gyms, yoga studios, or stairwells to daylight for motivation and circadian alignment.
