Atrium daylighting: daylight levels on the wall and daylight levels in the adjoining spaces

This paper investigates the relationship between vertical daylight levels on well walls and daylight levels on the working plane in adjoining spaces in atria with different geometric shapes and reflectances under a CIE standard overcast sky. By the comparisons with theoretical analysis, the daylight factors of wall and rooms calculated using Radiance are validated. Based on the simulations, the impact of well geometry and reflectances on average daylight factor in room has also been studied. The results indicate a linear trend between vertical daylight level and daylight level of room in atrium buildings. Furthermore, the variations of the daylight levels of rooms in the atrium buildings with different well geometries and surface reflectances are displayed. Some conclusions for supporting daylighting design in adjoining rooms of atria are listed.