What is Daylighting?

John Spacey, updated on July 04, 2023

Daylighting is the practice of using windows, light transport techniques and reflective surfaces to illuminate interiors with sunlight. Architectural techniques designed to maximize sunlight that reaches interior spaces were historically common but many fell out of use with the advent of electric light. In recent years, there is renewed interest in using passive architectural features that make use of sunlight to improve quality of life and reduce energy consumption.

Modern daylighting systems are often paired with adaptive electronic lights that dim when natural light is available and take over when sunlight fades. Daylighting tends to heat rooms and is intimately related to passive heating techniques. As such, it has less energy advantages in warm climates when cooling is a significant source of energy consumption. People commonly describe a preference for natural light over artificial light sources. As such, daylighting may improve factors such as quality of life or worker productivity. Daylighting is also important for growing plants indoors with techniques such as green walls.

Overview: Daylighting
Type	Sustainable Lighting
Definition	The use of daylight to illuminate interior space.
Value	People commonly prefer sunlight to artificial light. Reduced energy consumption. Resilience, not dependent on a grid. Passive heating
Related Concepts	Passive Design Sunlight Transport Light Shelves Light Tube Smart Glass