Daylight, Solar Radiation, Architectural Expression, and Energy Efficiency of Buildings

Abstract

Building design includes a large number of various issues, which must be taken into account in mutual coordination and with optimal consideration of individual factors. Daylighting, insolation, sun protection in hot weather are factors that directly affect the comfort of the indoor environment in buildings and their energy efficiency. It is noted that the above factors also affect the economy through the cost of housing and through operating costs for replenishing heat losses through windows, for ventilation and cooling of buildings, i.e. on the elimination of heat gains through translucent structures, as well as on artificial lighting, for which electricity costs can be comparable depending on the climatic conditions of the construction site and the design features and architecture of buildings, on artificial lighting technology and on technical solutions for air conditioning and ventilation. It provides topics related to daylight, solar radiation, and translucent structures, directly related to building design, partially reflected in the articles of this issue of Light & Engineering journal. Thus, the interrelation of building design issues with various aspects of lighting technologies is indicated.