Daylight Simulation
Daylight Simulation and Daylighting Performance Analysis · Also known as: daylighting analysis, illuminance simulation, daylight availability assessment
Daylight Simulation is a computational method for predicting the availability and distribution of daylight in interior spaces and assessing visual comfort under varying sky conditions. Developed by researchers like Christoph Reinhart and John Mardaljevic in the 2000s, it has become central to designing healthy, energy-efficient buildings that maximize natural light while controlling glare.
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When to use it
Apply daylight simulation in design development to optimize window size and placement, in parametric studies to evaluate shading strategies, to demonstrate compliance with building codes requiring daylighting, and to support claims of health and well-being benefits. It is increasingly required by green building rating systems.
Strengths & limitations
- Provides spatial and temporal resolution; reveals where and when daylight is available throughout the year
- Enables quantitative optimization of window and shading design for daylight, energy, and glare control
- Accounts for complex geometry including interior reflections, external obstructions, and dynamic shading
- Supports regulatory compliance and pursuit of daylighting certifications
- Integrates with occupant health considerations: adequate daylight linked to circadian rhythm regulation and well-being
- Computationally expensive for annual simulations with high spatial resolution; requires powerful processors or cloud computing
- Results depend on accuracy of sky models and weather data, which may not reflect local microclimate effects
- Interior reflectance properties are difficult to predict for real spaces; simplifying assumptions can introduce error
- Dynamic shading introduces complexity; predictions depend on occupant behavior (when people open or close blinds)
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Daylight Factor and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI)?
Daylight Factor is a static metric (percentage of exterior illuminance), useful for rough comparisons but ignoring sky conditions and seasonal variation. UDI is dynamic, measuring the percentage of work hours with illuminance between 100-3000 lux (adequate for task work without glare). UDI better reflects real occupancy and comfort.
How much should I increase window area to improve daylight penetration?
Doubling window area does not double daylight penetration. Light falls off with distance from windows; beyond 5-6 meters, supplementary electric lighting is needed. Simulation reveals the cost-benefit of larger windows versus energy penalty from increased solar heat gain.
Can I trust glare predictions from simulation, or should I validate with physical testing?
Glare indices from simulation (DGI, Daylight Glare Index) are reasonable predictors but assume standard eye positions and sensitivity. Validation with user surveys and physical mockups is recommended for critical spaces like hospitals or precision work areas.
How does exterior shading (trees, neighboring buildings) affect daylight inside?
External obstructions significantly reduce available daylight, especially in urban environments. Modern simulation includes buildings and vegetation in the 3D model. Including these context elements can reduce predicted illuminance by 30-50% compared to models that ignore neighboring structures.
Sources
- Reinhart, C. F., Mardaljevic, J., Rogers, Z. (2010). Dynamic Daylight Performance Metrics for Sustainable Building Design. Leukos, 3(1), 7-31. DOI: 10.1582/LEUKOS.2006.03.01.001 ↗
- Mardaljevic, J. (2006). Examples of Climate-Based Daylight Modelling. Proceedings of the Lux Europa 2005 Conference. link ↗
- Wienold, J., Christoffersen, J. (2009). Evaluation of Discomfort Glare and its Dynamic Properties Using the Daylight Glare Index. Building and Environment, 44(9), 1921-1930. link ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Daylight Simulation and Daylighting Performance Analysis. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/architecture/daylight-simulation
Which method?
Set this method beside its closest kin and read them side by side — the library lays the books on the table; the choice is yours.
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