A seminar for developers, architects, and engineers

Use of natural light for interior illumination has been integral to architecture since before the time of the Romans, but the field continues to evolve.  Daylighting design challenges and stimulates us as it brings together the worlds of aesthetics, function, and energy efficiency, at the interface between nature and man-made environments. 

This seminar examines daylighting from multiple angles, presenting basic design principles illustrated by examples from history and some of the most recent construction.  Because daylighting is intrinsically interdisciplinary, information about new technologies and analytical tools are pulled from several branches of design.  Some of the topics that will be covered include:

• Setting criteria for daylight performance and direct sun control
• Building programming for daylight -- identifying synergies between daylight, sunlight, and patterns of occupancy and use
• Envelope design -- vertical and horizontal window dimensions, fins, overhangs, lights shelves, narrow floor plates traditional and cutting edge
•  Differentiation by compass direction -- aesthetics, light, envelope adaptation 
• Glass selection -- selection for visual transmittance, effect of U-values and low-e on  transmittance and color 
• Actuated shading -- louvers versus shades, exterior versus interior, types of control sequences
• Manual shading -- general guidelines for use, potential benefits and limitations
• Electric Lighting Control Strategies -- zoning and continuous versus stepped dimming
• Sensor selection and location
• Evaluating daylighting -- LEED and other methods
• The relationship between daylighting, electric lighting, heating and cooling energy --  passive design and energy analysis.
• Integrating daylighting into the design process
• Funding sources
• Integrated Design Lab (IDL) services -- use of daylight models and expert advice

Christopher Meek is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Washington’s Department of Architecture, where he teaches courses in daylighting.  Since 2006, he has directed operations of the IDL’s Daylighting Lab, and he has produced daylighting studies for more than 100 designs here and abroad.

Tom Marseille leads Stantec’s Building Engineering office in Seattle.  He has participated in the design of some of the region’s radical designs, including the Terry Thomas office building.  Tom is currently a member of a USGBC/ASHRAE/IESNA jointly sponsored committee tasked with drafting the first ANSI-accredited high performance green building standard.  He consulted in Chicago, was a founding member of the Honeywell building and energy information services business, and served as a senior research scientist at Pacific NW National Labs