ABSTRACT
The window area to wall area ratio (wwr) is a key inter-relationship when designing daylit buildings. However, some themes emerge when we consider position, configuration and overall window area. Glazing in continuous horizontal "bands" tends to provide more unobstructed views to the exterior. Glass areas below 30" wwr deliver daylight primarily to the immediate area adjacent to the window. Many designers working with deep floor plates will over-glaze the perimeter in an effort to "drive light deeper" into the building. In most cases, this increases glare and contrast, often triggering blind deployment to maintain visual comfort. This defeats the purpose of the glazing and substantially compromises both daylight illuminance and views. A horizontal band of windows at 40" wwr provides daylight illumination that meets or exceeds commonly accepted minimum daylight illumination criteria at approximately 40" of the adjacent 26'-0" section. Windows comprising 75" wwr provide daylight that exceeds accepted minimum daylight illumination criteria for nearly the entire space.
