DAYLIGHTING STUDY: THE LIGHT BOX

Problem statement: The purpose of the project is to understand the effect of natural lighting on the quality of light in the interior environment. Our investigation of Passive Solar Design and the Vernacular has led us to an appreciation of the need for a certain quantity of south light, and an avoidance of east and west light on the basis of its difficulty in terms of shade control. The quality of natural light in a room, its amount, its evenness, and the impact of glare, are of equal importance in the creation of good architecture. This project will examine the implications of the geometry and placement of glazing, as it relates to the room size/proportions, ceiling height, wall dimensions and shading devices -- and intended use of the room. The function of the room, the way it is used, the desire for direct vs. indirect light, the relationship with the exterior and issues of view -- will drive the design of the daylighting.

The parameters of the project will require that you construct a simple model (of the previously designed studio project), of specified size, of specified materials at a specific scale; design the fenestration for the south wall of that room; design suitable shading devices for the summer condition at our latitude; bring the model to the class seminar where it will be “tested” and compared with other strategies. (note: I have found it best to specify a function for the room, or various ones among the class, so you can discuss as well as grade based upon success for room type)

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE:
~base shape white foamcore
~other materials as necessary to indicate the use of materials of various colours, reflectivity and transparency
~ tape the seams (if necessary) to prevent light infiltration
~do not put acetate in windows, although if you wish to test materials of various colour and translucency, feel free
~ Although I expect a certain level of craftsmanship to be demonstrated in the models, expect that we may wish to use matte knives on them during the seminar to experiment with different effects... It may be advantageous to make certain pieces removable, fixed with pins rather than glue.

SCALE:
~ 1:20 metric or 1/2" = 1'-0"

FENESTRATION:
~ south wall only (primarily)
~ glaze the south wall area in a way that you feel will provide the best natural light in the studio to achieve a reduction in the use of electric fixtures
~ to allow for the best solar heat gain in the winter
~ to ensure the minimum solar heat gain in the summer
~qualify your fenestration strategy by designing the interior of the studio with a small study/office. (this is important as although all rooms should be visually comfortable, different uses will greatly affect the desire for a view to the outside, dramatic lighting, even lighting, visual acuity, etc...)
~Your studio will be designed as per 'The Wall' project requirements.

· operable windows are essential

SHADING:
~ provide exterior shading to effect full shade of the window at noon on June 21 for 43oN and maximum solar gain on Dec. 21 for 43oN (the latter only if this suits your use)
~ the shading device may include an external light reflector shelf

LIGHT BOX TYPES:
All light boxes are to be constructed with a fixed south wall, fixed solid west wall, fixed solid east wall, and fixed solid ceiling. You may choose to "design" the ceiling to be other than flat, include light scoops, etc. The north wall is to be solid but designed to be able to be removed to see and potentially photograph the “studio”. You may wish to design an alternate, replaceable south wall or shading devices.

Approximate Room dimensions: (these can be made to vary as suits the parallel studio project, or simply the size of your heliodon! they will tend to slip off if they are too big)
5.0 metres along the south wall
4.0 metres deep
The maximum height of your building may not exceed 4 metres. (you might want to vary this among the class or set it at a more normal room height)

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The evaluation will include, but not be limited to the following:
~ the projects will be evaluated on the basis of their adherence to the above criteria and will be subjective vs. quantitative
~ precision
~the quality of light achieved in the space
~ success of the shading device
~ level of sophistication in the architectonic solution