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Assessment of Daylighting Strategies in Religious Buildings

Abstract

Daylighting is an important aspect of architectural design in religious buildings because natural light can influence visual comfort, spatial character, spiritual atmosphere, and energy consumption. Religious spaces often require carefully controlled lighting conditions to support worship, reflection, reading, gathering, and other activities. Poorly designed daylighting may result in glare, excessive brightness, uneven illumination, or inadequate lighting levels. Assessing daylighting strategies in religious buildings is therefore essential for achieving functional, comfortable, and meaningful interior environments. This study assesses daylighting strategies in religious buildings, focusing on how architectural features influence the quantity and distribution of natural light within worship spaces and associated facilities. It examines strategies such as window placement, clerestories, skylights, courtyards, roof openings, light wells, translucent materials, and appropriately designed openings. The study also considers how building orientation and spatial configuration influence daylight availability throughout the day. Particular attention is given to the relationship between daylight and the functional requirements of religious spaces. Worship areas, prayer halls, reading spaces, classrooms, offices, circulation areas, and gathering spaces may require different levels and qualities of illumination. Effective daylighting can provide sufficient light for visual tasks while creating appropriate variations in brightness and shadow. The study therefore examines how daylighting strategies can balance functional illumination with the atmospheric qualities often associated with religious architecture. The study further considers the control of glare and excessive solar heat gain. Large openings and roof-level daylighting features can increase natural illumination but may also introduce unwanted glare and heat, particularly in warm climates. Shading devices, screened openings, recessed windows, light shelves, appropriate glazing, and other passive strategies can help regulate daylight while limiting excessive solar exposure. The study evaluates these strategies in relation to thermal comfort and visual performance. Material selection and interior surface characteristics are also considered because wall, floor, ceiling, and decorative finishes influence the reflection and distribution of daylight. Light-coloured and reflective surfaces may improve daylight penetration, while darker or highly absorptive materials can reduce reflected illumination. The study therefore examines the interaction between daylighting strategies, interior materials, spatial proportions, and architectural elements in determining the overall quality of natural lighting. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of daylighting strategies in religious buildings and identify architectural approaches that can improve natural illumination, visual comfort, and spatial experience. Its findings are expected to assist architects, religious building designers, and facility managers in integrating daylight into worship environments without compromising thermal comfort or functional requirements. Appropriate daylighting design can reduce dependence on artificial lighting, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to distinctive and meaningful religious interiors.

Keywords: Daylighting, Religious buildings, Natural lighting, Worship spaces, Visual comfort, Daylight distribution, Glare control, Solar heat gain, Window design, Clerestories, Skylights, Light wells, Energy efficiency, Religious architecture.