Daylighting in commercial buildings: the use of new components and design solutions to optimize visual comfort

The use of daylighting in buildings can be an improvement when trying to enhance the environmental quality and the energy efficiency of them. When we talk about commercial buildings, especially shopping centers, daylight has a specific significance, due to the use of the building e the various activities performed inside. This article presents some results of simulations with the software Lightscape®, utilizing different design solutions and components, aiming to improve the existing situation in terms of visual comfort and energy efficiency in a case study building. Some components like lightshelves and a different skylight design are tested and their effects in the light distribution and glare reduction are analyzed.