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Sidelighting & Openings
Building shape and massing
The massing of a building determines the quality of light distribution. In general, narrow forms with greatest access to exterior openings will be easiest to illuminate with natural light. Before electric light was common, buildings were narrow, only as wide as they could be illuminated.
There are three basic forms for admitting natural light into a space: side lighting, top lighting or atria, as described below.
Sidelighting
The term side sighting describes the location of the opening. However, effective use of natural light requires more than a window. Light-reflectingand light-receiving surfaces must be integrated into the architecture to avoid glare and excessive heat gain.
In most cases, the ceiling will be best surface to receive reflected light. It should be unobstructed, high-reflectance, and shoıld be able to seen by task areas in a space.
See the following graphics, how to use the ceiling best to advantage.
Openings
Locate openings carefully because location affects both light distribution and the perception of distribution. A window wall can be horizontally divided into an upper third, middle third, and lower third. Each section has its distinct characteristics.
