ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a range of classroom section designs that include: sidelighting, north-facing transparent roof monitors, south-facing diffuse roof monitors, diffuse horizontal skylights, and increased perimeter glazing. It is important to note the use of translucent glazing in all toplighting configurations where direct beam sunlight has the potential to enter the classroom during hours of instruction. There are three primary goals for the effective daylighting of classrooms: to control direct sunlight during all occupied hours, to provide balanced luminance on interior surfaces, especially between the perimeter and key interior surfaces within the classroom, and to provide sufficient ambient daylight illumination for visual tasks. Vertical windows on one side are insufficient to effectively illuminate this 30'-0" deep classroom under overcast skies. The inclusion of a vertical window at the "back" wall provides balancing illumination and washes the teaching wall with daylight. The design results in extremely high visual comfort and substantial lighting energy savings potential.
