Simulation Based Daylight Uniformity Optimizations for Elementary School Projects in Quebec Province

Adequate quantity of daylight provision and its uniform distribution is a key factor in the design of educational buildings. Methods exists to assess through simulations the adequacy of daylight quantity and its uniformity in buildings during the design phase. Building regulations and public procurement procedures set the daylight requirements for school buildings. Daylight regulations were recently introduced in Quebec, Canada, which have an impact also on the economic feasibility of projects. This study presents an investigation about optimal daylight design solutions for a classroom in the Quebec climate. A parametric model and a generative process was developed to optimize a skylight and a light shelf to improve uniformity while providing adequate daylight in classrooms with different orientations. The methods and outcomes which includes economic considerations represent a useful insight for designers and researchers.