Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Efficient day lighting in the residential buildings has several physiological and psychological benefits, particularly contributing to visual comfort. Setbacks and window openings play a major role in admission of day lighting into the buildings. However in general, many spaces inside the buildings most frequently suffer from inefficient day lighting due to inadequate setbacks and window sizes. Given this background, this paper is a scholastic attempt to assess the impact of building setbacks on the window sizes, so as to achieve comfortable day lighting. Methods/Analysis: For this purpose, day lighting in two differently oriented independent residential buildings located in Vijayawada (India) having different setbacks was studied. The day lighting contours were calculated using a Lux Meter at different timings of the day in each of the functional spaces /rooms of the buildings. Also, the interior natural illumination levels in different rooms of the buildings were analyzed against the required standard illumination levels as recommended by The National Building Code of India 2005and the local building byelaws. Findings: The spaces inside buildings suffering from inadequate day lighting were identified. Application/Improvements: Based on the day lighting analysis, design recommendations for window sizes with reference to the respective building setbacks were suggested.

Keywords: Building Setbacks, Day Lighting, Obstructions, Residential Buildings, Window Sizes