O aproveitamento da luz natural em prédios públicos administrativos: Estudo de caso em prédio da UFPel.

Abstract

Light is an essential element for the development of several human activities. At work environments, it is an element that interferes with task performance, productivity and people’s health. The adequate use of natural light, especially in daytime use buildings, can contribute significantly for the reduction of electric energy consumption, visual comfort improvement and occupants well-being. Thus, the present study aims at evaluating the use of natural light in work rooms of an administrative building at Pelotas Federal University, in order to suggest recommendations to improve visual comfort and energy efficiency. The referred rooms are in the administrative block of Delfim Mendes Silveira, a building located at Porto university campus at UFPEL, in a historic building of a former cold store named Anglo. The study involves the analysis of light variables such as illuminance, luminance, daylight factor (DF), uniformity, glare and contrast; architectural variables related to the physical characteristics of the rooms, layout, furniture and finishing materials; and users’ behavior and perception variables, analyzed in dates close to winter and summer solstices, in clear and cloudy sky conditions. The process of investigation consists of physical mapping, light condition measurements, observations, interviews and analysis of the energy efficiency of the light system. The data found were evaluated in accordance with recommendations and normative parameters and were cross-checked with data about use behaviors and user perceptions. The results have showed that the best effectiveness of daylight use happens in a range of 1,5 times the height of a window upper part, the integration between daylight and artificial systems is fundamental in order to reach adequate levels of illuminance and obtain more uniformity, improve visual comfort patterns and save energy, and, that the interaction of users with light condition control devices is associated with their perception of visual discomfort and interferes directly in the potential use of natural light indoors.