Evaluating daylight performance and visual comfort in Shahid Mahdavi preschool building in Tehran with the goal of 1404 approach

This article has been investigated the effect of natural light and appropriate skylights on improving daylight performance and reducing energy consumption in classrooms.In order to implement the country’s general environmental policies and reduce school costs with the optimal use of energy, daylighting is a factor for participation in reducing energy consumption and a step towards achieving the goal of 1404. This article’s purpose is to evaluate daylighting performance and provide solutions to improve visual comfort. In order to achieve this goal, Shahid Mahdavi preschool in the northwest of Tehran was selected as a case study due to its special physical characteristics such as light shelf, trombe wall, light shelves, geometric designs on the roof and diagonal atrium. Based on the quantitative research method, a case sample was selected and light metering was performed using light measuring instruments in the two southern classes of Mahdavi preschool with and without light shelves on January 12, 2021 with sunny sky conditions and at specific times. Climate Studio software was used to simulate and analyze the results. Brightness rating was used by the rating indicator in green buildings (4.1 LEED). The qualitative method is also based on inductive reasoning and using extensive library studies. Finally, the results of field information and software analysis were reviewed and the useful daylight illuminance factor was evaluated in all 4 models, which was in the acceptable range. Therefore, a combination of south windows and light shelves, along with semi-transparent moving curtains, causes a uniform distribution of daylight. Using atrium in the north side of the classroom will increase lighting performance and its uniformity. Suggestions for improving visual comfort are presented in this study.