WINDOW'S FUNCTIONS AND DESIGN: DAYLIGHTING, VISUAL COMFORT AND WELL BEING

摘要

Windows play a significant role in achieving quality of life and comfort while yielding energy savings potentials. Their design, however, is often subject to conflicting requirements; the admission of daylight and sunlight can result on overheating and glare, while the provision of view may interfere with the sense of privacy. While some compromises have to be made during window design process, how will a designer decide upon which function to favour? This paper presents an extensive literature review that highlights the multifunctional role of the window through its traditional functions while its importance is stressed through its symbolism. A strong emphasis is made in favour of the contribution of windows to human comfort and well-being. On this basis, human perception, appreciation and preferences of window's functions are uncovered through a review of people's reactions in both windowless and windowed buildings. The view out and daylight emerged as the prominent window's functions with considerable psychological benefits. Subsequently, their window design requirements are discussed.