Jenny Saunders Lighting Study

Daylight Requirements

AT2 Task 18_DaylightingJenny Saunders

The required lighting level for a gallery space is a daylight factor of 1 minimum, with 5 average. However, the space I am studying is a corridor space. The most comparable guideline is that for a corridor in assembly or concert halls, which is a minimum DF of 0.6, with an average of 2.

The space being studied is a corridor space. The scheme is realised with two strctural concrete walls that create a circulation spine zig-zagging through the scheme. This is a dark space, contrast-ing with the triangular gallery spaces that span the concrete geometry, which are very light spaces.

Space being studied - circulation

Gallery Space

Lux

Table showing the Daylight factors collected in the space, at a height of 700mm. The points of measurements are on an equally spaced grid.

The average DF for the space is 4.007. This is suprisingly high, given that the average DF required for a corridor space is 2, and the design inten-tion is for this to be a dark space. This value may be distorted by some direct illuminance falling on two of the measurement points, giving DF values of 54.41 and 56.7. The average DF without these two values is 2.7. This falls much closer to the average of 2 that is required for corridor spaces.Given that the design intention for this space is that it is a tall, dark space with shafts of light creating a high contrast light effect, I am happy with the pseudo-colour rendering and daylight factor values for the space.

This shows a rendered digital model of the space. I believe the design intention has been achieved, with sufficient lighting for the activity in the corridor.

Design Intentions

AT2 Task 18_DaylightingJenny Saunders

This is a photography centre. Using the idea of ‘drawing with light’, the intention of the architec-ture is to create different experiences of light as an inspiration of creativity for the people of Barry. This is achieved with high contrast in light, as well as using water as a reflective and refractive building material to manipulate the light.

This plan shows how the scheme is concieved as two structural concrete spine walls that zig-zag through the site, creating a corridor space through the scheme. The gallery spaces are sup-ported between the triangular geometry of these walls with single spanning beams.

Gallery

Circulation

A section through the ‘glass gallery’ which is

glazed from floor to ceil-ing, and floats above a

pool of water to ensure maximum reflection and

light.

Above is a rendered image of the digital model of the corridor space. Below, a perspective of the ‘glass gallery’ created from a physical model. This space is intended to be extremely light in comparison to the corridor space.

Concept Sketch

Digital vs. Physical Modelling

AT2 Task 18_DaylightingJenny Saunders

Early in the project, a lighting study was undertaken to compare the qualitative daylight effects by testing with digital versus physical lightin models. Even though the space tested is not relevant to the current scheme, it is still valid to compare the two methods. This plan shows the internal gallery space

that is being viewed in this study. The red arrow shows the direction of the ‘camera’.

The digital model gives the impression of a very light space. Interms of materials, it

is sucessful in distinguishing between different materials, and giving an accuracy of shadows, given the daylight conditions.

There can be a great deal of control as to the analysis created with a digital model.

However, the rendering has a ‘cartoon’ feel to it, and lacks in the imperfections

and reality of materials that an actual photo of the space might have.

The physical lighting model certainly has an aspect of reality, given its imperfections, but a more accurate model is needed. It is very diffi-cult to control the light as this depends on the

conditions when you take the photograph, unless you use an artificial sky. There is not a lot of accuracy with materials, as trying to create a

1:1 image with card is very difficult. Also, the reflectiveness of materials is a hugely impor-

tant factor, and the polished concrete floor, for example, does not seem realistic.