Using Tubular Daylighting Systems to Improve Illuminance Level in Double-Loaded Corridor in Educational Buildings

Double-loaded corridors in educational buildings generally experience low daylight levels as they do not have enough direct contact with the outdoor environment. Although the task light level is lower than that in spaces like reading or office spaces, double-loaded corridors normally depend on artificial light. On the other hand, double-loaded corridors, especially in educational buildings, need to be lit all day during the occupation period, as one cannot specify when different users utilise these spaces. For example, teaching staff, students and service staff use corridors from 8am to 5pm in Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), the site of the case study. This paper explores the possibility of using tubular light systems in addition to some architectural solutions to provide double-loaded corridors with the required daylight level. The research used anidolic, lightpipe, lightshelf and ceiling cavity in addition to high windows from side offices to improve daylighting in double-loaded corridors. Experimental study conducted at JUST showed that anidolic systems could provide double-loaded corridors with sufficient lighting levels. On the other hand, radiance simulations showed that anidolic and some other solution systems can provide corridors with sufficient daylight in lower floors, while lightpipes can provide corridors with adequate daylight on upper floors.