Daylighting Analysis & Optimization for Building Design
Model solar geometry and optimize apertures for balanced daylighting design
What You Can Do
You can rapidly assess solar geometry, estimate daylight factors and illuminance levels, compare aperture configurations, and identify seasonal performance variations across building orientations. Claude synthesizes complex solar data to help you validate daylighting strategies, reconcile competing performance goals, and communicate quantified design rationale to stakeholders—accelerating design development from concept through optimization.
Features
determine sun position at specific latitudes, times, and seasons to inform aperture placement and shading design
estimate lux levels and daylight factors across interior spaces to validate occupant comfort and minimize supplemental lighting
evaluate size, orientation, and glazing strategies across multiple design scenarios to identify optimal light access
assess direct solar penetration, brightness ratios, and reflected light conditions to recommend mitigation strategies (louvers, diffusers, positioning)
model winter/spring/summer/fall daylight availability and thermal gain variations to balance year-round comfort and energy goals
identify conflicts between maximizing natural light and minimizing solar heat gain, then develop integrated solutions
generate comparison tables showing how aperture changes affect illuminance, glare, thermal load, and view access
Example Output
Example 1: Solar Altitude Analysis
For a north-facing facade at 40°N latitude on the spring equinox at 3 PM:
- Solar altitude: 42°
- Solar azimuth: 287° (west-northwest)
- Recommendation: South-facing apertures maximize winter sun penetration; north-facing glazing provides consistent diffuse light without seasonal glare risk.
Example 2: Illuminance Comparison
| Aperture Config | Winter (Dec 21, 9 AM) | Summer (Jun 21, 9 AM) | Annual Glare Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% glazing, no shade | 380 lux | 850 lux (excessive) | High |
| 40% glazing + louvers | 290 lux | 480 lux | Low |
| 25% glazing + diffuser | 210 lux | 320 lux | Minimal |
Example 3: Design Recommendation
For a south-facing office at 35°N: Deploy 35% window-to-wall ratio with motorized external louvers angled 35° from horizontal. This delivers 400–500 lux in winter (adequate task lighting) while limiting summer illuminance to <600 lux and reducing cooling load by ~18% compared to fixed glazing.
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file: Complete methodology for daylighting analysis workflows
- Solar geometry calculation template: Latitude/longitude input forms, sun position tables for key dates and times
- Illuminance estimation worksheet: Step-by-step daylight factor and lux level calculations for rectangular spaces
- Aperture comparison matrix: Pre-structured framework for evaluating multiple design configurations across lighting, thermal, and glare criteria
- Seasonal performance calendar: Visual reference mapping daylight availability and thermal implications across 12 months
Who It's For
- Daylighting designers — Validate aperture strategies and quantify performance before detailed photometric modeling
- Architects — Develop early-stage daylighting concepts informed by solar geometry and occupant comfort data
- Energy consultants — Balance daylighting goals with thermal performance requirements and identify system trade-offs
- Building envelope engineers — Optimize glazing specifications and shading strategies for integrated facade performance
- Project stakeholders — Communicate design decisions through data-driven performance comparisons and visual solar analysis
Best For
- Preliminary daylight factor and illuminance calculations during schematic and design development phases
- Solar altitude and azimuth analysis to inform window placement and exterior shading design
- Comparison of aperture sizes, orientations, and glazing types across multiple design scenarios
- Glare risk assessment and mitigation strategy development (louver angles, diffuser placement, operational controls)
- Reconciling daylighting goals with thermal performance, view access, and privacy requirements in early design
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