In the sun-drenched lecture halls of Syiah Kuala University’s Graduate School in Indonesia, a battle between natural light and comfort is underway. Building B, a hub for master’s and doctoral students, is a case study in the challenges of balancing daylight with practicality. The building’s expansive windows, oriented east and west, invite an abundance of natural light—but at a cost. “The excessive and glaring natural lighting causes thermal discomfort,” explains lead author Dinda Ramadani, whose research was recently published in the journal RUAS, which translates to “Wings” in English. This discomfort has led to a reliance on curtains, artificial lighting, and tinted glass windows, raising questions about energy efficiency and comfort in educational spaces.
Ramadani’s study, which evaluated natural lighting levels in the lecture rooms against the Indonesian National Standard (SNI No. 6197-2020), found that the illumination levels fell short of the recommended 350 Lux. The average measured illumination was a mere 109.69 Lux, highlighting a significant gap in meeting the standard. The research underscores the importance of thoughtful building design, particularly in regions with intense sunlight.
The findings have implications beyond the university walls. In an era where energy efficiency is paramount, the commercial impacts for the energy sector are substantial. Buildings that rely heavily on artificial lighting due to poor natural light management contribute to higher energy consumption and costs. “This study is a wake-up call for architects and builders to reconsider how they design educational spaces,” says Ramadani. “The goal is to create environments that are both comfortable and energy-efficient.”
The research also points to the need for innovative solutions in window design and materials. Tinted glass, such as ray-band glass, is one approach, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Future developments in smart glass technology, which can dynamically adjust to light and heat levels, could offer a more sustainable and comfortable alternative.
As the construction industry grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy conservation, studies like Ramadani’s provide valuable insights. They remind us that the pursuit of natural light must be balanced with practical considerations to ensure that our buildings are not just bright but also comfortable and efficient. The journey towards optimal natural lighting in educational spaces is far from over, but with research like this, the path forward is becoming clearer.