1 MUHON: A Journal of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and the Designed Environment University of the Philippines College of Architecture Issue No. 4 DAYLIGHTING SIMULATIONS: A Case Study of the University of the Philippines College of Architecture Library Johannes Vincent F. Chua 1 jvfchua@gmail.com Rosalie G. Flores-Bernardo 2 rfloresbernardo@gmail.com Abstract This paper reports on the use of lighting models to simulate daylight conditions in building spaces. The case study was conducted for the College of Architecture Library, University of the Philippines Diliman (at that time, under construction). The study intended to test the effectiveness of two (2) daylighting design elements that were to be incorporated in the library, namely the sunshade devices protecting the exterior windows and skylight. Also, it investigated the sufficiency of light levels for specific tasks inside the library compared to established local standards. A daylighting model was constructed with finishes matching the existing conditions as close as possible. Testing was done through simulating the lighting model with a light meter attached during critical days within the year (equinox and solstices) and specific times of the day. Light level readings at particular areas of the lighting model were obtained. The results showed that base measurements exceeded the local light level standards and produced harmful glare. The solution taken was controlling the amount of light entering the library by simulating overcast conditions to distribute light evenly throughout the spaces. Interventions on the lighting model were simulated and tested, resulting in favorable light levels. These were used as basis in the design and construction of the actual library space. Keywords: daylighting model, simulation, task coordinate, skylight, design manipulated 1 Johannes Vincent Chua obtained his Master of Architecture degree at the University of the Philippines College of Architecture in Diliman. He is currently working in the same college as a Lecturer. 2 Rosalie Flores-Bernardo is currently employed at the Office of the Campus Architect of the University of the Philippines Diliman. She finished her Master of Architecture degree at the College of Architecture of the same university. I. Introduction The study of daylighting in tropical climates, particularly in the Philippines, appears to be sorely lacking. Considering the rising cost of fuel and electricity, daylighting can help in energy cost cutting. It is considered as a cost-efficient way of lighting design as it enables a building to be free from full reliance on electric lighting. One building type that requires huge lighting expense is the library. In particular, the University of the Philippines has over 30 libraries. Most of them are not designed with daylighting as the primary source of light. If these libraries were to rely on daylighting, significant saving in power costs can be achieved. Based on this notion, the study looked at how effective daylighting design can be applied in a library space by simulating daylight conditions using two (2) daylighting elements that were „design-manipulated‟ to produce desired light levels. It aimed to determine the validity of the two elements by applying variety of design set-ups. The best set up producing the desired light levels for the specific tasks inside a library space was identified and adopted in its actual design and construction. The study selected the College of Architecture Library as the subject building for this experiment. The researchers believed there was no better example to start with than this library because it was to be re-constructed when this study proposal was taking shape. The original building was razed by fire. Major re-planning of spaces and retrofitting were done to fit the requirements for space of the UPCA when it moved in 2005 from the old Melchor Hall Building to the place where it is now. II. The UP College of Architecture Library The University of the Philippines College of Architecture (UPCA) Library is located at the northern part of the UPCA Building 2 (at the lower right side as shown on Figure 1). Figure 2 illustrates the spatial layout of the library, with the yellow rectangle enclosure emphasizing the area which was the focus of this daylighting study. It is divided between the public area that includes the circulation, reading and the multi-media room areas; and the private area, which includes the offices and the reserved section.