Integration of daylight quality in the design studio: from research to practice

This paper presents the teaching method used in the lighting section of a design studio on Physical Ambiences (French term for Indoor Climate) at Laval University's School of Architecture. The teaching method comprised studies of daylight strategies in great architectural projects, readings, development of a lighting scenario according to basic biological needs and light transitions, quantitative analyses based on simple performance indicators, scale of shadows and contrast pattern analysis. These analyses were achieved using a variety of tools: physical models, manual calculations and graphical methods, spreadsheet programs, computer simulations, etc. The paper presents the teaching method as well as examples of projects achieved during the studio. The success of the studio demonstrates that it is possible to teach considerably advanced lighting concepts in a relatively short time (2 months). The results are powerful and informative data sets and images that feed the design process and enhance the architectural qualities of the project.