Daylight distribution in atrium spaces with glazing as a lambertian light source: Part II—The three-sided type

The lighting benefits of a three-sided atrium involve the collection of daylight not only from the top but also from one of the atrium sides. The behavior of daylight inside a three-sided atrium is modeled using radiosity finite surface method and computer modeling technique to model accurately inter-reflections within the atrium. The effect of the wall reflectance and geometric proportions on the distribution of daylight is examined. The results of our simulations are compiled into tables where daylighting efficiency factors(DEF) are given for some critical locations inside the atrium of a wide range of proportions(PAR & SAR).