Daylighting Integration Flashcards
7 cards from real CLC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Daylighting Integration flashcards as text
Which fenestration strategy is most effective at controlling direct beam sunlight on east- and west-facing facades?
Answer: Vertical fins or louvers
Vertical fins are most effective on east and west facades because the sun's low lateral angles require vertical shading elements to intercept direct beam radiation.
Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) is used in daylighting to measure:
Answer: The percentage of floor area receiving more than 1,000 lux of direct sunlight for more than 250 occupied hours per year
ASE quantifies the risk of glare and overheating by measuring how much of the floor area is exposed to high direct-sun illuminances for extended periods annually.
A toplighting system using a sawtooth roof with north-facing glazing (in the Northern Hemisphere) provides:
Answer: Uniform diffuse daylight with minimal direct sun penetration
North-facing sawtooth glazing admits uniform diffuse sky light while avoiding direct sun, making it ideal for spaces requiring consistent, glare-free illumination.
What is the recommended minimum Daylight Factor for a typical office environment according to daylighting guidelines?
Answer: 2%
A Daylight Factor of approximately 2% is commonly cited as the minimum for office spaces to be considered adequately daylit under overcast sky conditions.
Dynamic glazing (electrochromic glass) in a daylighting system primarily benefits occupants by:
Answer: Allowing real-time adjustment of tint to control glare and solar heat gain
Electrochromic glazing can be tinted on demand, letting occupants or automated controls balance view, glare control, and solar heat gain dynamically throughout the day.
In a photosensor-based daylight harvesting system, 'open-loop' control means the sensor:
Answer: Measures only daylight contribution without detecting the electric light output
An open-loop photosensor measures incoming daylight only (typically pointed toward the window or sky) rather than the combined ambient illuminance, avoiding feedback interference.
Which building orientation strategy maximizes winter solar gain while minimizing summer overheating in a temperate US climate?
Answer: Elongating the building on the east-west axis with large south-facing glazing and horizontal overhangs
Elongating on the east-west axis maximizes south exposure; horizontal overhangs block the high summer sun while admitting the lower winter sun, optimizing solar access.