Multiple-Criteria Decisions for Side-Aperture Sizing in a Sunlighting Strategy

An integrated-research approach was used to examine the multifold problem of sizing a window in a direct-gain passive solar strategy, where there is direct sunlight penetration into the living space. Solar-heating performance, glare from window and occupant appraisal of the luminous condition were the main attributes of the overall window performance considered in this study. The building occupant was used as the sole gauge against which glare and the luminous condition resulting from the direct penetration of sunlight were measured. Sunlight penetration, represented by the size of the sunspots within the room, was introduced as a novel way to deal with sunlight penetration. Compromises in design decisions are discussed based on the three perfor mance attributes which can make a particular direct-gain building design a success or a failure.