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“Architecture with Daylight – Energy vs Health” by Arne Hülsmann

1,288 views · Published 16 September 2015 · 12:43 · Indexed 12 November 2026

Channel: The VELUX Group · 2015 · Science & Technology

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Lecture from the 6th VELUX Daylight Symposium “Daylight as a driver of change” that took place in London on 2-3 September 2015. For more information visit http://thedaylightsite.com

ABSTRACT

The knowledge about the positive aspects of daylight has increased within the last few years. These aspects are divided into health effects and economical effects. Healthwise – the hormonal processes are controlled by (day-)light and the metabolism is regulated through it. Without daylight all these processes would have to be activated by artificial light.

Concerning energy and energy saving, the German building culture stands in its own way. It is difficult that daylight is not taken into ‘hostage’ by the energy debate. There is no denying that complacency cannot be discussed only by ways of W/qm, °C, humidity, CO2 concentration or annual balance sheets.

There is no product termed “daylight” which can be put on the market. If it would exist, then daylight would have a completely different (or even a) lobby. And what does all that mean to architecture? A practical example: A daylight plan had to be developed for a switch room in West-Germany. Goal of design was: In rare daylight months an illumination of 1000lx for at least 2h is to be achieved, exclusively through daylight. And this in bad weather days as well. To avoid glare at the workplace, the solar access in the switch room is forbidden. For this reason the desired illumination is to be achieved solely through diffuse light. A dimming of the daylight system is desired. The free areas in the roof, where a daylight system is possible, were defined with the architect. Subsequently, on the basis of data from the DWD, the available amount of daylight for each season was determined and with it the resulting daylight ratio. The first measurements showed that a daylight ratio of about 5% realized the desired daylight supply. In the following planning process, different daylight systems were chosen and optimized for the present application. By means of simulations, different geometries were analysed and by using comprehensive model studies these were presented to the principal for selection. After the decision of the principal for one daylight system was taken, an artificial light concept, suitable to the needs of the workplace was developed, which was also developed and optimized in the model.

This case study highlights the need for a holistic design process. The wellbeing at the workplace can be raised dramatically, and the use of artificial light reduced, through an integrative design approach. The view from the workplace to the outside is part of the ‘architectural’ design process – even when we work as lighting designers - just as much as daylight input and glare shield are. Daylight is architecture is daylight is architecture is…

Arne Hülsmann is a lighting designer and partner at Andres Lichtplanung in Hamburg, Germany. He studied architecture in Münster, Germany and Havana, Cuba and received his Master in Arts of Architecture from the University of Applied Sciences in Münster in 2003. During his studies he developed a strong interest in light and its function in architecture and decided to delve deeper into the topic after his degree. Arne joined Andres Lichtplanung in 2003 and specialized in Model- Building, Daylighting-Case-Studies and Artificial Lighting Design. Arne led many projects from design to realisation including airports, museums, and schools. In 2014 he became a partner at Andres Lichtplanung. Since 2013, Arne is also an assistant lecturer at the Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hildesheim (HAWK) and at the University of Applied Sciences in Münster (msa).

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