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Unit outline_

DESC9169: Daylight in Buildings

Semester 2, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Daylight can be used in buildings to reduce the energy spent on electric lighting and create aesthetically appealing interiors. Design decisions that affect the success of daylighting in a building span every phase of the design process, from site selection to the application of interior finishes. This unit discusses the role of daylight in indoor illuminated environments. Calculations to predict the quantity and distribution of daylight in spaces and predict the effects of shading devices are covered. Students learn about the local and global variables that influence daylight availability, recognize the challenges and opportunities with daylight in interior spaces, and the appropriate use of daylighting technologies. Modelling tools (Radiance based) will be used in order to assess the efficacy of selected daylight strategies.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architectural and Design Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
DESC9106
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ozgur Gocer, ozgur.gocer@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Ozgur Gocer, ozgur.gocer@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Daylight modelling of a parametric facade
Analysis
65% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59
20 pages in A3 format
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Assignment group assignment Analysis of different indoor spaces
Analysis
35% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 23:59
15 pages in A3 format
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Analysis of different indoor spaces: Each group (generally composed of 3/4 students) will select and analyze 2 spaces and perform physical measurements of daylight metrics during a selected week.

Daylight modeling of a parametric facade: Students will work individually on daylight modeling of selected spaces. Each student will analyze one of the two spaces monitored and propose solutions (with the use of Radiance&Grasshopper) to improve daylight performance of that space through designing a parametric façade and using other daylight systems and technologies.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical
analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes
assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis,
synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the
learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the
learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes
assessed.

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with the University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 04 • Introduction to the Unit of Study / The role of daylight in architecture • Daylight principles • Daylight in Buildings: General Concepts and Metrics Identify light ratios Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to the Assignment 1 Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Field measurement and qualitative description Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 • Daylight Prediction, various models and methods Climate and context: models of sky • How the eye sees & Vision and Perception comfort • Sunlight and annual daylight methods Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO5
Daylight Factor Calculation exercise Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Creating geometry in Rhino Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 08 • Facade Design in general • Shading device design • Radiance engine and daylight modeling introduction to Assignment 2 Lecture (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Case studies: Daylighting performance of spaces Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
DF calculation with RADIANCE modeling Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 Glare and reflectivity Parametric Design of facades Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Case studies: Adapting grasshopper scripts Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Adapting grasshopper scripts into selected spaces Tutorial (3 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 12 • Urban Planning and daylight issues, reflectivity, rights to light • Daylight & Health/Non-visual impacts of daylighting • Integration of daylighting and artificial lighting systems Lecture (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Closure to the unit and Q@A session for Assignment 2 related issues Seminar (1 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Project development and final session to get feedback on assignment Tutorial (3 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

1. Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study unless granted exemption.

2. Students are required to submit an application for special consideration if they need an extension for an assignment.

3. Special consideration is only applicable for short-term circumstances that are beyond your control, such as illness, injury or misadventure. UoS Coordinators can permit a simple extension under special circumstances.

4. More information and details available at:
http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html

5. Unless a special consideration is approved or a disability adjustment is granted, penalties apply to late submissions: http://sydney.edu.au/architecture/documents/CS/forms/latesubattendance.pdf

6. Turnitin similarity matching software must be used for all assignments. It can only accept files 40 MB or less

7. Reference any material that is not yours.

8. All instances of Academic dishonesty will be reported.

9. For more details on Academic Appeals, please see: http://sydney.edu.au/student_affairs/academic_appeals/process.shtml

10. Students must acknowledge all sources of feedback, editing, and proof-reading.

11. More information and details available at:
http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Online sources: E-books, annex, journals etc.

[1] N. Baker, K. Steemers (2013), Daylight Design of Buildings. James & James.

https://doi-org.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/10.4324/9781315073750

[2] M. Fontoynont (2103). Daylight performance of Buildings. James & James.

https://doi-org.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/10.4324/9781315073743

[3] P. Tregenza, M. Wilson (2011), Daylighting: architecture and lighting design. Routledge.

https://doi-org.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/10.4324/9780203724613

[4] Muneer, T. (Tariq) et al. Solar Radiation and Daylight Models. 2nd ed. Amsterdam ;: Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, 2004. Print.

https://ebookcentral-proquestcom.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/lib/usyd/detail.action?docID=288908

[5] Boubekri, Mohamed. Daylighting Design : Planning Strategies and Best Practice Solutions . Boston: Birkhäuser, 2014. Print.

https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/lib/usyd/detail.action?docID=1652222

[6] Daylight in buildings, ECBCS Annex 29/SHC Task 21

https://www.iea-ebc.org/Data/publications/EBC_Annex_29_PSR.pdf

[7] P. Raftery, M. Keane, A. Costa (2011). Calibrating whole building energy models: Detailed case study using hourly measured data. Energy and Buildings 43:3666--3679.

[8] Ruck, N., Aschehoug, Ø., Aydinli, S., Christoffersen, J., Courret, G., Edmonds, I., ... & Michel, L. (2000). Daylight in Buildings-A source book on daylighting systems and components. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 9910-47493.

https://facades.lbl.gov/publications/daylight-buildings-source-book

[9] Baker, Nick V., A. Fanchiotti, and K. Steemers. Daylighting in Architecture : A European Reference Book . First edition. Boca Raton, FL: Routledge, 2016. Print.

https://doi-org.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/10.4324/9781315067223

[10] Kittler, Richard., Miroslav. Kocifaj, and Stanislav. Darula. Daylight Science and Daylighting Technology. New York, NY: Springer, 2012. Print.

https://link-springer-com.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/book/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-8816-4

 

Books:

[11] M.R. Atif, J.A. Love, P. Littlefair (1997). Daylighting Monitoring Protocols & Procedures for Buildings. NRC CNRC

[12] Bell, James, and William Burt. Designing Buildings for Daylight . London: Construction Research Communications, 1995. Print. SciTech Library, General 720.472 36

 

Other suggested readings are:

{13] Heschong, L., Wright, R. L., & Okura, S. (2002). Daylighting impacts on human performance in school. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, 31(2), 101--114. A.D.

[14] Galasiu, C.F. Reinhart (2008). Current daylighting design practice: a survey. Building Research and Information, 36, 159--174. P.

[15] Ihm, A. Nemri, M. Krarti (2009). Estimation of lighting energy savings from daylighting. Building and Environment, 44, 509--514.

[16] R. Sullivan, E.S. Lee, S. Selkowitz (1992). A method for optimizing solar control and daylighting performance in commercial office buildings. ASHRAE/SOE/BTECC Conference “Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings V”.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. use and understand the terminology associated with daylighting
  • LO2. identify the determinant of daylight availability in buildings
  • LO3. calculate daylight metrics
  • LO4. design structures to manipulate daylight in buildings
  • LO5. critically evaluate daylight strategies through the use of specialist software
  • LO6. share knowledge with colleagues and effectively collaborate in achieving common goals
  • LO7. critically and synthetically analyse the issues, and efficaciously communicate technical information in written, oral and visual form.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Unit structure (adjustments to lecture hours and tutorials made) has been changed. Assignment questions were revised.

Disclaimer

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