Daylight
and Natural Air Flow
The layout and shape
of the interior determine the effectiveness of daylighting and natural
ventilation.
The depth of daylight
distribution is a function of window height relative to the working
plane. Increased ceiling height gives more flexibility, allowing devices
such as light shelves to bounce light deeper into the interior.
- Design ceiling
heights 9 ft. 6 in. or greater to permit the use of taller windows.
- Separate the
window into upper and lower portions, to independently control daylight,
natural ventilation and view.
- Use light colors
on interior surfaces, especially walls and ceilings, to increase the
daylight that reaches areas remote from windows.
- Use splayed,
light-colored window sills and reveals to reduce contrast and glare.
- Align interior
partitions perpendicular to windows to avoid blocking daylight.
- Shape the ceiling
and use secondary reflecting surfaces to further diffuse daylight.
Cross-ventilation
depends on a continuous airflow path. Open-plan layouts are ideal, but
where spaces are subdivided, rooms must be designed to allow airflow
in and out, between rooms and through occupied areas.
- Locate larger
spaces on the windward side of the building. This provides improved
air distribution in all linked interior spaces.
- Use false ceilings
above corridors and passageways to create breezeways for airflow between
rooms on either side of the passage.
- Use operable
transom windows in walls to permit a free flow of air and daylight.
- Use high ceilings
to allow heated air to rise out of occupied zones.
Noise within the
building from occupants, HVAC equipment and plumbing is a common irritant
and is usually caused by poor sound isolation in floors and walls, or
by poor equipment selection.
The integrity of
acoustical partitioning can be achieved by:
- Extending partitions
above the suspended ceiling.
- Eliminating holes
for ducts, pipes, conduits, cables, etc., and sealing around necessary
ones.
- Minimizing sound
transmission through air ducts passing through the partition with
baffles & duct liners.
- Isolating piping
from the structure.
Cautions
- Avoid creating
stagnant zones with little airflow.
- Continuous air
paths can reduce acoustic privacy.
- Although changing
airflow direction can lead to more even distribution, the air tends
to slow down and lose some of its cooling effect.
