The impetus for this note largely derives from both authors' recent experiences presenting the 'Best Practices in Lighting' seminar series in mid 2004. Many attendees raised concerns about not having sufficient basic knowledge of lighting (and in particular daylighting) to promote and support energy efficient lighting solutions which produce a quality visual environment. Therefore it appears that one of the greatest hurdles to progressing the cause for the daylighting of buildings in Australia is the limited access to basic daylighting guides for Australian conditions.
Architects and engineers require knowledge of daylighting and an understanding of key issues if they are going to win support for building design concepts which use daylight. They will need to be able to participate in discussions on the impact of their design on issues such as the impact of daylight on the mechanical ventilation system, and the penetration and distribution of usable daylight. This note will provide some general guides and strategies to progress the daylighting of buildings in Australia. It is based on the presentation 'Daylighting First' by Stephen Selkowitz, Head of the Building Technologies Department, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, USA as part of the 'Best Practices in Lighting' seminar series.