Assessment of daylight factors in classrooms using analytic hierarchy process: ensuring a healthy and productive learning environment

A well-designed classroom environment is essential for effective learning, and natural light plays a fundamental role in creating a space conductive to concentration and comfort. This study investigates the intricate relationship between visual comfort and natural light in classroom by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). AHP emerges as an invaluable tool for lighting engineers, architects, and decision-makers in the education sector. It allows them to systematically identify rank, and prioritize the factors that most significantly influence daylight quality. The architectural elements examined in this study include the climate, color of walls and ceiling, window design, and dimensions, orientation of the classroom, and the presence of shading elements. Interior design considerations, such as furniture arrangement, choice of materials, and the height of desks and chairs, are also evaluated for their impact on natural lighting. Collectively, these variables shape the overall lighting environment of a classroom. This study aims to determine the relative importance of each factor, providing valuable insights that can guide evidence-based design strategies to enhance student performance through improved lighting. The findings confirms that daylight quality in classrooms necessitates taking into account a number of key factors, with a focus on climate and hour of the day as well as window design and color. These insights are guided by the outcomes of the AHP evaluation. It allows for comprehensive assessments of lighting quality by systematically weighing the various factors that influence both natural and artificial lighting, facilitating informed decisions about design improvements and optimal funding allocation.