Pattern 7: Blinds and Shades

This case study illustrates the patterns of direct sunlight penetration in a typical south facing office. Successfully controlling direct beam sunlight is critical to providing a visually and thermally comfortable space. The case study example used here is the Genzyme Building at 500 Kendall Street in Cambridge, MA, designed by Behnisch Architekten. This pattern sequence demonstrates the extent of sun penetration on a south façade at three different times of day (9AM, 12PM, 3PM) and year (June 21, September 21, December 21). Workplane illumination data are represented in lux. Typical office lighting criteria range from 300-400 lux and 300 lux was selected as one of the daylighting design criteria examined herein. The percentage of floor area above or below this value is presented for each permutation. It is important to note that the Genzyme building uses automated motorized venetian blinds that are controlled based upon the presence of direct sunlight. However, to clearly illustrate the challenge posed by direct beam sunlight, all blinds were removed in this set of simulations.