The benefits of daylight solutions in public buildings
In relation to illumination, each public building will have different needs. How a space is being used impacts the amount of light required. People, of course, play an important role in relation to illumination and how it impacts well-being with exposure to natural light. Specification and flexible daylight designs make innovative solutions for individual project needs possible. Communal spaces with atriums can create inspiring and enjoyable spaces for people to spend time in.
Communal areas typically need a lot of signposting. This is true in public buildings that have many functions and lots of movement. Orientating people with daylight provides comfort in moments of stress. Security and safety also benefit from light and ventilation. Rooflights with comfort ventilation can also help accommodate your thermal control requirements. Rooflights can also be specified with smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV), reducing risk to both occupants, and building in the event of fire.
Light consistency helps people undertake a variety of tasks in a communal space. The changing light of day connects people with the outdoors and helps maintain circadian rhythms. In libraries, natural light empowers people to give their work focus. Diffused daylight also makes it possible to reduce glare from computer screens. Natural and mechanical ventilation can be combined to create controlled conditions. This can be useful when looking to preserve objects or control the temperature of a space that has changing numbers of people.