A Comparative Study of Daylighting Metrics Across Design Studio Geometries, Surface Finishes, and Window Wall Ratio - A Case Study of Chennai City

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 10

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : A. Harinya Meenu, Kumudhavalli Sasidhar, Swetha Madhusudhanan, Radhakrishnan Shanthi Priya, S. Nallusamy

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I10P117

How to Cite?

A. Harinya Meenu, Kumudhavalli Sasidhar, Swetha Madhusudhanan, Radhakrishnan Shanthi Priya, S. Nallusamy, "A Comparative Study of Daylighting Metrics Across Design Studio Geometries, Surface Finishes, and Window Wall Ratio - A Case Study of Chennai City," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 10, pp. 205-229, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I10P117

Abstract:

In India’s tropical climate, the use of daylight has very high potential as it not only reduces artificial lighting demand, but also enhances the spatial quality and user wellbeing. This is especially true in the case of educational institutions, particularly those in the field of architecture. Architecture students spend long hours in studios focused on creative and concentration-intensive activities. This requires access to well-distributed natural light as it is essential for both psychological and academic performance. This study focuses on three critical design parameters that influence indoor daylight performance: room geometry, interior surface reflectance, and Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR). Daylighting metrics, namely static and dynamic metrics, were considered for the study using simulation software under clear sky conditions. Static metrics like Daylight Factor, Point-in-Time Illuminance, and Dynamic metrics like Spatial Daylight Autonomy, Useful Daylight Illuminance, Annual Sunlight Exposure, Daylight Glare Probability, and Continuous Daylight Autonomy were used to evaluate the daylight performance. The results revealed that the WWR at 20%, paired with matte or low-gloss finishes, delivered the most efficient and visually comfortable lighting across different room types. In contrast, larger window areas or high-gloss surfaces had unwanted glare and visual discomfort. Among all combinations, materials like white acoustic ceiling tiles, white painted gypsum walls, and white matte vitrified flooring could evenly reflect and diffuse natural light. The study thus highlights the importance of integrating form, material, and fenestration positioning in institutional design, particularly for learning environments like architecture studios that have prolonged indoor usage.

Keywords:

Window-To-Wall Ratio, Daylight Metrics, Daylight Glare Probability, Spatial Daylight Autonomy.

References:

[1] Olatunde Babalola, Onyedikachukwu Ndimako, and Chidinma Nduka Kalu, “Daylight Influence on Architecture Studio Culture in Nigerian Universities,” Preprints, pp. 1 7, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Nastaran Makaremi et al., “Impact of Classroom Environment on Student Wellbeing in Higher Education: Review and Future Directions,” Building and Environment, vol. 265, pp. 1 17, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Marwa E. Emara et al., “Lighting Impact on Architecture Student Experience in Higher Education Buildings in Egypt,” Alexandria Engineering Journal, vol. 108, pp. 108 121, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Meriç Çelik, Altuğ Didikoğlu, and Tuğçe Kazanasmaz, “Optimizing Lighting Design in Educational Settings for Enhanced Cognitive Performance: A Literature Review,” Energy and Buildings, vol. 328, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Subarna Roy, Parthasarathi Satvaya, and Sourin Bhattacharya, “Effects of Indoor Lighting Conditions on Subjective Preferences of Task Lighting and Room Aesthetics in an Indian Tertiary Educational Institution,” Building and Environment, vol. 249, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Samaneh Aghajari, and Cheng Chen Chen, “Optimizing Classroom Lighting for Enhanced Visual Comfort and Reduced Energy Consumption,” Buildings, vol. 15, no. 8, no. 1 39, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Rahmaniyah Dwi Astuti, and Btara Aryanda, “Influence of Lighting and Temperature on Cognitive Performance: A Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals,” Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 1 25, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[8] Rostam Golmohammadi et al., “Effects of Light on Attention and Reaction Time: A Systematic Review,” Journal of Research in Health Sciences, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 1 9, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Jean Baptiste Clochet, “The Importance of Daylighting in Classrooms and its Effect on Primary Students’ Academic Performance,” UCL The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, 2022.
[Publisher Link]
[10] Marcel Neberich et al., “Positive Effects of Advanced Daylight Supply of Buildings on Schoolchildren A Controlled, Single Blinded, Longitudinal, Clinical Trial with Real Constructive Implementation,” Buildings, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 1 20, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] M. Boubekri et al., “Impact of Daylight Exposure on Sleep Time and Quality of Elementary School Children,” European Journal of Teaching and Education, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 10 17, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Yingjun Dong, and Xin Zhang, “Study on the Effect of Awakening Daylight in Dormitories on Morning Alertness, Mood, Fatigue and Sleep Quality of College Students,” Building and Environment, vol. 203, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Daylighting, Whole Building Design Guide. [Online]. Available: https://www.wbdg.org/resources/daylighting
[14] Gourav Dey, “Daylight Optimization in Tropical Architecture: A LEED v4 Based Case Study of a Hypothetical Office Building in Chittagong, Bangladesh,” 2024.
[Google Scholar] 
[15] Salah Vaisi, Honia Modares Gorji, and Narmin Shafei, “Application of Simulation Based Metrics to Improve the Daylight Performance of a Secondary School, An Approach for Green Building Designers and Architects,” Advances in Environmental and Engineering Research, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 1 15, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Daniel Plörer et al., “Control Strategies for Daylight and Artificial Lighting in Office Buildings A Bibliometrically Assisted Review,” Energies, vol. 14, no. 13, pp. 1 18, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Juan Gamero Salinas, and Jesús López Fidalgo, “Response Surface Methodology using Desirability Functions for Multiobjective Optimization to Minimize Indoor Overheating Hours and Maximize useful Daylight Illuminance,” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, pp. 110, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Alla Eddine Khelil, and Sara Khelil, “Evaluation and Optimization of Daylighting in Classroom Environments,” Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, pp. 421 429, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Edidiong Ukpong et al., “Daylighting Performance Evaluation in Tropical Lecture Rooms: A Comparative Analysis of Static and Climate Based Metrics,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 103, pp. 1 62, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Wan Nur Hanani Wan Abdullah et al., “Identifying Optimal Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) and Window to Floor Ratio (WFR) for Typical Higher Educational Classrooms to Address Deficiencies in Daylighting Design,” Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 81 102, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Yingjie Jia et al., “Effect of Interior Space and Window Geometry on Daylighting Performance for Terrace Classrooms of Universities in Severe Cold Regions: A Case Study of Shenyang, China,” Buildings, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 1 23, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Arzu Cılasun Kunduracı, and Ecenur Kızılörenli, “A Design Proposal for Improving Daylight Availability of a Deep Plan Classroom by Using Tubular Daylight Guidance Systems and Movable Shading Devices,” Journal of Polytechnic, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 1305 1316, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Esin Fakıbaba Dedeo˘glu, and Meryem Yalçın, “A Proposal for the Improvement of Daylight Integration and Distribution in the Educational Interior Space through a (Pro Sun) Ceiling Design with Curved Surfaces,” Sustainability, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 1 19, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] Atthaillah Atthaillah et al., “Daylighting Design Validation and Optimisation of Tropical School Classrooms with Asymmetrical Bilateral Opening Typology,” Indoor and Built Environment, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 551 570, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Li Li, “Research on Daylighting Optimization of Building Space Layout Based on Parametric Design,” Sustainable Buildings, vol. 7, pp. 1 17, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Jin Ma, and Qingxin Yang, “Optimizing Annual Daylighting Performance for Atrium Based Classrooms of Primary and Secondary Schools in Nanjing, China,” Buildings, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1 17, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Aris Budhiyanto, “Impact of Window to Wall Ratio, Glass Reflectance, and Surface Reflectance on Indoor Illuminance: A Simulation Study Using Dialux,” Arsitekno, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 75 83, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] S. Utsman, B. Rachmawan, and K.R. Mohammad, “Analysis and Evaluation of the Effect of Reflectance Values on Internal Walls, Internal Roofs, and Light Shelf on Optimal Illumination Levels in the Diploma Economics and Business Building of the Vocational School UGM, Yogyakarta,” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science: 6th International Energy Conference, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, vol. 927, pp. 1 11, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[29] Jihui Yuan et al., “Reflective Coatings: Enhancing Building Performance and Sustainability,” Nano Structures & Nano Objects, vol. 39, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[30] Sarin Pinich, Kantaphong Srimuang, and Atch Sreshthaputra, “Optimization of Envelope Heat Gain and Interior Daylight Illuminance in Building Facade Design under Reflectance Limitations: A Case Study of Office Buildings in Thailand,” Nakhara: Journal of Environmental Design and Planning, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 1 21, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[31] Isabel Escobar et al., “Efficient Daylighting: The Importance of Glazing Transmittance and Room Surface Reflectance,” Buildings, vol. 14, no. 10, pp. 1 18, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[32] Biswajit Biswas, Subhasis Neogi, and Biswanath Roy, “Application of Delighting to Optimize Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) in Buildings in Indian Climatic Conditions,” Archives for Technical Sciences, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 248 258, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[33] Kamal A. Saleem, Kamal A. Saleem, and Ashraf Nessim, “Evaluation of Static Horizontal Louvers on Annual Daylighting Performance in Classrooms,” Future Engineering Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1 10, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] Farzam Kharvari, and Masoumeh Rostami Moez, “Assessment of Occupant Adaptive Behavior and Visual Comfort in Educational Facilities: A Cross Sectional Field Survey,” Energy for Sustainable Development, vol. 61, pp. 153 167, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[35] Alok Kumar Maurya, Ravish Kumar, and Ajay Kumar, “Assessing Window Design's Impact on Daylight Uniformity in Classrooms in Patna, India,” Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 11898 11903, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[36] Shiva Farivar, and Shabnam Teimourtash, “Impact of Window Design on Dynamic Daylight Performance in an Office Building in Iran,” Journal of Daylighting, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 31 44, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[37] Jeyaradha Jayaram, and Lakshmi Sundaram, “Evaluation of Window to Wall Ratio, Shading Devices, and Site Vegetation for Enhanced Daylight Availability Optimization of Fenestration for School Classrooms in Chennai,” Preprints, pp. 1 20, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[38] Shuyang Li et al., “Simple Mathematical Models to Link Climate Based Daylight Metrics with Daylight Factor Metrics and Daylighting Design Implications,” Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 1 17, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[39] Lars Oliver Grobe, and J. Alstan Jakubiec, “Climate Based Daylight Modeling, Metrics, and Level of Detail,” International Radiance Workshop, Innsbruck, Austria, pp. 1 17, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[40] Raed Alelwani et al., “Optimising Energy Efficiency and Daylighting Performance for Designing Vernacular Architecture A Case Study of Rawshan,” Sustainability, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 1 33, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[41] Nesma Fercha, Akila Benbouaziz, and Djamel Alkama, “Assessment of Daylight Factors in Classrooms using Analytic Hierarchy Process: Ensuring a Healthy and Productive Learning Environment,” Geomatics, Landmanagement and Landscape, pp. 7 18, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[42] R. Viula, R. Bokel, and M Tenpierik, “Prediction of Discomfort from Glare from Daylight in Classrooms,” Lighting Research & Technology, vol. 55, no. 7 8, pp. 712 729, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[43] S.G. Yıldırım, and M.Ş. Küçükdoğu, “Performance Evaluation of Daylight in Terms of Visual Comfort in Design Studios and Classrooms,” Balkanlight 2024 Conference, İstanbul, Turkey, pp. 389 398, 2024.
[Google Scholar]
[44] Atthaillah et al., “Formulation of Climate Based Daylighting Design Prediction Model for High Performance Tropical School Classrooms,” Energy and Buildings, vol. 304, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[45] S.V. Ershov et al., “Effective Simulation of Spatial Daylight Autonomy and Annual Sunlight Exposure,” Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Graphics and Vision “Graphicon”, pp. 64 72, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[46] Ezzaddeen Ali Mohammed Saeed AL Mowalladet al., “Assessment and Improvement of Daylighting Quality in Classrooms with Double Side Windows,” Buildings, vol. 14, no. 11, pp. 1 20, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[47] Zhengyin Gu et al., “Enhancing Legibility in Educational Settings: Optimizing Projection Illuminance for Varied Indoor Ambient Illuminance,” Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 1 11, 2024.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[48] Lucas Arango Diaz, Natalia Giraldo Vasquez, and Beatriz Piderit Moreno, “Advancing on a Dynamic Metric to Assess Daylight Sufficiency Based on People’s Perception of Daylight Availability in the Tropics,” Building and Environment, vol. 282, pp. 1 16, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[49] Atthaillah, Rizki A. Mangkuto, and Mochamad Donny Koerniawan, “Investigation of Direct Sunlight in Existing Classroom Design in Indonesia: Case Study of Lhokseumawe,” Advances in Civil Engineering Materials: 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, pp. 135 144, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[50] Raquel Viula, Discomfort Glare from Daylight in Classrooms, A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment, vol. 12, no. 14, pp. 1 472, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[51] Abdelaziz Farouk Mohamed, Amira Ahmed Amir, and Ayman Ragab, “The Effect of Aerogel Glazing on Daylight and Heat Gain in School Buildings in Hot and Dry Climate,” Environment, Development and Sustainability, pp. 1 22, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[52] “Education Facilities Design Standards,” Government of South Australia, Department for Education, pp. 1 146, 2024.
[Publisher Link]
[53] Basma Gaber et al., “Enhancing Daylight and Energy Efficiency in Hot Climate Regions with a Perforated Shading System Using a Hybrid Approach Considering Different Case Studies,” Buildings, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 1 25, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[54] Yuniar Affa Nur, Gyuyoung Yoon, and Takahiro Sato “Energy Savings for a Junior High School Classroom that Actively Uses Daylighting and Sensitivity Study on the Effect of the Building Envelope Thermal Performance,” Japan Architectural Review, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 609 620, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[55] Syvia Tavares Segovia et al., “Natural Light in Modernist Educational Architecture in the UK: The Marylebone Building in London, PARC: Research in Architecture and Construcvtion, vol. 15, pp. 1 24, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]