Bostadsgestaltning under förändrade regelverk : En kvalitativ studie om dagsljusets roll i bostadsprojektering efter Boverkets nya föreskrifter

This thesis investigates how the new daylight regulations introduced by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (BBR 31), which come into effect on July 1, 2025, influence residential design and the architect’s role in the design process. Unlike previous requirements focused on individual rooms, BBR 31 introduces a functional daylight requirement at the dwelling level. This shift offers greater design flexibility but also places increased responsibility on architects to interpret and document compliance. The study is based on a qualitative research approach, including literature reviews, interviews with architects and daylight experts, and a survey targeting various professionals in the construction sector. The aim has been to develop a deeper understanding of how the new regulations affect daylight access in housing, interact with other technical demands, and influence the professional responsibilities of architects. The results show that many professionals view the new regulations as an opportunity to enable more context-sensitive and flexible housing design, especially in dense or noise-exposed urban environments. However, several challenges are also identified: daylight must be balanced against energy performance, thermal comfort, and acoustic protection. The lack of official guidelines from the authorities contributes to uncertainty and inconsistency in the building permit process. The findings suggest that the architect’s role is shifting from following fixed standards to making informed trade-offs between technical, functional, and aesthetic demands. This requires a deeper technical understanding and the ability to justify design decisions in communication with public authorities. In conclusion, BBR 31 has the potential to strengthen design freedom and foster more innovative housing solutions, but its successful implementation depends on increased professional responsibility, clearer guidance from regulatory bodies, and ongoing knowledge development within the industry.