Dagslysbruk

Dagslysbruk, also known as daylighting, refers to the deliberate use of natural light to illuminate interior spaces. In architecture and building design, it encompasses strategies for bringing daylight in from the exterior and distributing it within interiors while controlling glare, overheating, and energy use.

Key approaches include thoughtful building orientation, window placement and sizing, façade design, light shelves, skylights, clerestory windows, and tubular daylighting devices. The interior surfaces with high reflectance and the use of diffusers help daylight spread evenly, while shading devices manage glare and thermal gains.

Benefits include reduced electricity consumption for artificial lighting, potential cooling load reductions with proper shading, and improved occupant comfort and productivity. Daylight can also support circadian health. Evaluation uses metrics such as daylight factor and daylight autonomy, and standards such as EN 17037 in the European Union, along with regional codes and green building certification criteria.

Challenges involve climatic variability, glare, overheating risk in hot seasons, higher upfront costs, and ongoing maintenance of glazing and shading systems. Dagslysbruk is commonly applied in offices, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings, and is a core element of energy efficiency and sustainable design.