Daylight Optimization for Yangon Classrooms: Evaluation of Corridor Depth and Window Size

The goal of this study is to evaluate relationship of window size and corridor depth, andprovide best configurations for optimizing daylight performance of classrooms in tropicalmonsoon climate zone, with a focus on Yangon, Myanmar. Schools and universities fromthose regions often utilize exterior corridors as shaded transitional path between one roomto another while offering daylight entry towards classrooms and reducing the possibleglare. With parametric simulation approach, this paper explores how varying sill heights,window sizes and corridor depths affect daylight distribution and potential of glare acrossrecommended façade orientations for tropical monsoon regions. Key daylight performancemeasuring metrics including sDA, UDI, ASE and sDG were utilized to perform evaluationprocess. Results imply that increasing window sizes, especially width, can enhance daylightavailability but at the same time, can raise the potential of glare risk if window sill heightis not high enough and corridor depth is shallow. Best result outcomes occur in classroomswith wide windows (especially 6m) at high window sill level (mostly 1.25m), and mediumdepth of corridors (mainly 3m). This thesis contributes to future daylight-responsiveclassroom design in tropical climates lacking formal daylight standards by addressingSustainable Development Goals 3 and 4.