Pattern 3: Section Depth (Sidelit Office)

Section Depth of 10’-0”

A 10’-0” section depth represents a common condition in private offices and corridors. In most building configurations, areas within 10ft will receive sufficient daylight illumination to meet ambient lighting goals for the vast majority of daylight hours. Additionally, in most cases where the total section depth is less than 15’-0”, the glazing area could be reduced while maintaining effective daylight illumination.

Pattern 3: Section Depth (Sidelit Office)

Section Depth of 20’-0”

Pattern 3: Section Depth

At 20’-0” deep, the section depth is approximately equivalent to the daylight potential of side lighting at a ceiling height of 10’-0”. The “back” wall (at the left) maintains surface brightness in balance with the brightness of the ceiling and floor luminance. In this configuration horizontal illumination levels meet commonly accepted daylighting criteria for office environments across nearly the entire space, and yields an ideal daylight distribution.

Pattern 3: Section Depth (Sidelit Office)

Section Depth of 26’-0” (As Built)

Pattern 3: Section Depth

In the “as-built” condition (26’-0” deep), the section depth is approximately equivalent to the daylight potential of side lighting given this ceiling height. The “back” wall (at the left) maintains a balanced surface brightness with the ceiling and floor. With the exception of the aisle way at the back of the section, this configuration yields horizontal illumination levels that meet commonly accepted daylighting criteria for office environments.

Pattern 3: Section Depth (Sidelit Office)

Section Depth of 30’-0”

Pattern 3: Section Depth

At 30’-0” deep, the perimeter glazing provides effective ambient daylight illumination to approximately two-thirds of the volume. The “back” wall (at the left) begins to lose surface brightness especially in the upper zone. In this configuration horizontal illumination levels meet commonly accepted daylighting criteria for office environments across approximately 80% percent of the floor area.

Pattern 3: Section Depth (Sidelit Office)

Section Depth of 40’-0”

Pattern 3: Section Depth

This configuration represents a common section depth in contemporary open office spaces. At 40’-0” deep the section depth exceeds the daylight potential of side lighting by a factor of 2. Less than half of the office area is daylit. The perimeter area of the open office area is much darker than the majority of the volume. The contrast on the ceiling and vertical surfaces is dramatic, creating the potential for glare. More than half of the office area falls short of commonly accepted minimum daylight illumination criteria.

Pattern 3: Section Depth (Sidelit Office)

Section Depth of 50’-0”

Pattern 3: Section Depth

This configuration represents a common section depth in speculative office buildings. At 50’-0” deep the section depth far exceeds the daylight potential of side lighting. The perimeter area of the open office area is substantially darker than the vast majority of the interior volume, creating a “cave-like” effect. The contrast on the ceiling and vertical surfaces is dramatic, creating the potential for glare. Less than 35 percent of the office area meets commonly accepted minimum daylight illumination criteria.