OPTIMIZATION OF NATURAL LIGHT IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS THROUGH A PARAMETRIC DESIGN APPROACH: CASE STUDY OF “SAMI FRASHERI” HIGH SCHOOL IN TIRANA, ALBANIA

Abstract

As light is one of the mediums to help architecture bring forth its full potential, it has a rather significant impact on how architecture is understood and adds value in creating the right atmosphere for its occupants. [1]. According to some studies, when the learning environment is human-centered and sensitive towards the surroundings, it brings forth better feedbacks and reactions. Moreover, the lack of guidelines that involve the daylight parameter during the design process in the Albanian design guidelines for the educational buildings is noticed. Many school buildings are built so that there is too much daylight (the glare effect) or less daylight in the classroom that brings negative feedback from the students’ academic results and causes to the state of mind. Therefore, this thesis aims to provide optimization of daylight in schools by making a study of Sami Frasheri school, conducted mainly through light simulations. It has selected as a case study due to the new version is being built with a parametric design approach, as well as being able to compare it with the old version. This study is a step further towards integrating daylighting design strategies as part of Albania's design process.