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Effect of Window Size on Visual Comfort in Residential Interiors

Abstract

The study examines the effect of window size on visual comfort in residential interiors, with emphasis on how the dimensions of window openings influence the availability and distribution of natural light within occupied spaces. Windows are important components of residential buildings because they provide daylight, external views, and opportunities for natural ventilation. The size of window openings can therefore affect indoor illumination, daylight distribution, glare, and the ability of occupants to perform visual activities comfortably. The study will assess variations in window size and their relationship with visual comfort in selected residential interiors. Relevant characteristics will include window height, width, glazing area, window-to-wall ratio, window position, room dimensions, and the relationship between windows and occupied areas. Visual comfort will be assessed using indicators such as indoor illumination levels, daylight distribution, glare occurrence, visibility, and occupants’ perception of the adequacy and comfort of natural lighting for routine activities. A descriptive comparative research design will be adopted for the study. Selected residential buildings will be assessed through physical observation, dimensional measurements of windows and rooms, indoor illumination measurements, photographic documentation, and structured questionnaires administered to occupants where appropriate. Data obtained will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate comparative or correlation tests may be applied to determine the relationship between window size and visual comfort. The study is expected to reveal differences in visual comfort across residential interiors with varying window sizes. Appropriately sized windows may provide sufficient and more evenly distributed daylight, supporting comfortable visual conditions and reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime. However, excessively large windows may increase glare or create uneven illumination under certain conditions, while very small windows may result in inadequate daylight penetration. Other factors such as room depth, window orientation, glazing characteristics, shading devices, interior finishes, and surrounding obstructions may also influence visual comfort. The findings will be useful to architects, residential building designers, housing developers, environmental designers, and other professionals involved in the planning and design of residential interiors. The study may provide useful information for determining appropriate window dimensions that balance daylight availability and visual comfort. The findings may also support passive daylighting strategies that improve indoor environmental quality while reducing dependence on artificial lighting. The study will conclude by establishing the effect of window size on visual comfort in residential interiors. It is recommended that window dimensions should be carefully determined in relation to room size, orientation, glazing, shading, and surrounding conditions to provide adequate and comfortable daylight. Further studies involving different residential building types, climatic conditions, window configurations, and interior environments are recommended to develop broader guidance for effective residential daylighting design.

Keywords: Window size, visual comfort, residential interiors, natural lighting, daylighting, window dimensions, window-to-wall ratio, indoor illumination, daylight distribution, glare, visual performance, residential buildings, window design, passive design, interior environmental quality.