The assessment of vertical daylight factors across the walls of atrium buildings, Part 1: Square atria.

This study investigated the impact of well geometry and surface reflectance on the vertical daylight factors of walls in atria with square plan forms under a CIE standard overcast sky. Artificial sky scale model measurements were used to validate predicted values of vertical daylight factors using the software package Radiance. More simulated vertical daylight factors data for a much wider range of square atrium geometries and surface reflectances were then produced. From the results the variations of the vertical daylight factor on the walls of square atria were assessed and explained and some empirical functions derived. Some guidelines for supporting design are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]