External shading devices as passive daylighting strategy for resting corridor in tropics

Abstract

The use of external shading devices as a passive daylighting approach aims to enhance the comfortability of the rest and relaxation space of the resting corridor in tropical climates. The purpose of this research is to determine the most convenient types of external shading devices that are intended to improve passive daylighting performance in tropical climate resting corridors. However, the primary challenge in harvesting natural daylight for visual discomfort owing to glare and heat gain concerns from direct daylighting for resting corridors in tropical climates is the lack of shade in resting corridor. For example, in tropical states like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, there is no specific study that can justify the response of external shade devices specifically designed to be installed in resting corridors in tropical climates. Furthermore, a literature study analysis was utilised to gather data, which was then incorporated into the experimental pre-test and post-test data collections using the digital simulation approach conducted by Velux Daylight Visualizer and SketchUp, which was then analysed using a chosen literature research for resting space, elements of corridors, external shading devices, and daylighting performance in a tropical climate. Data from the literature is obtained prior to the research in order to offer independent variables for the experiment. Quantifiable data is created as a result of the computer simulation study. Based on the method, the performance of egg-crates with shaded panels with a pitch angle adds to the improvement in daylighting performance in illuminating the inside of the resting corridor than conventional egg-crate shading devices when used as a passive daylighting approach for resting corridors in the tropics. This study definitely answers the question of whether the use of egg-crate external shading devices is effective to obtain excellent illuminance levels and daylight factors at resting corridors in the tropical climate. As the intention of resting corridors is to provide a sense of rest and relaxation with the mechanism of the corridor.