The images below are part of a preliminary daylighting study for compliance with the CHPS daylighting credit. The basic strategy is to bring light in from the north and south exterior windows and to balance that with daylight from the corridor via glazing in the interior walls. The corridor skylight is translucent to prevent direct sun penetration and glare. This study shows that daylighting performance on both levels could be enhanced by splaying the skylight shaft out at the bottom. Also, the soffits at the interior walls are working against the daylighting. Reducing the size of the mechanical ducts and increasing glazing high in those interior walls would improve daylighting in the classrooms. These images and lighting data will be used to refine the architectural design. Early performance testing of design strategies is key to the integrated design process and to compliance with CHPS daylighting criteria.

Section through classrooms and interior corridor. The model has been rendered for March 21 at noon on a clear day. North is to the left and south is to the right. The exterior shades on the south do not completely block direct sun, so operable shades will be necessary.

		The image to the left shows the north-facing classrooms. Both classrooms achieve well above the minimum required average of 25 footcandles. Per CHPS criteria the calculation points are spaced at 4'-0" x 4'-0" and the work plane is 30" above the floor.
Plan of top-floor classrooms showing light levels on work plane.

  
High School
San Marcos, CA

Johnson Consulting Engineers Lighting Designer