The assessment of vertical daylight factors across the walls of atrium buildings, Part 1: Square atria

This study investigated the impact of well geometry and surface reflectance on
the vertical daylight factors of walls in atria with square plan forms under a CIE
standard overcast sky. Artificial sky scale model measurements were used to
validate predicted values of vertical daylight factors using the software package
Radiance. More simulated vertical daylight factors data for a much wider range of
square atrium geometries and surface reflectances were then produced. From the
results the variations of the vertical daylight factor on the walls of square atria
were assessed and explained and some empirical functions derived. Some
guidelines for supporting design are presented.