An Investigation of Daylight Performance in the Sofa Space of a Traditional Turkish House through Computational Modeling

This study investigates daylight performance in relation to the orientation of the “sofa” (living room in a traditional Turkish house) within a digital environment, aiming to identify the advantages and disadvantages of different orientations through quantitative analysis. Natural daylight has long been a critical design criterion in architecture, with building orientation directly influencing interior illumination. In traditional Turkish houses, room positioning was carefully arranged to maximize daylight, and the sofa, used as a socializing and seating area, often received special attention in window design compared to other rooms. The research focuses on the ‘Bey Sokak’ district in Tokat, which preserves the city’s traditional fabric and includes many examples of civil architecture. Daylight analysis was conducted using the Grasshopper program at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 on September 21st, December 21st, June 21st, and March 21st. Orientations of 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, and 315° were examined, with the sofa positioned 5° north of alignment. Findings indicate that the 315° (southeast) orientation provides notable benefits. It enhances morning performance, improves uniformity, and offers potential energy efficiency, making it particularly effective for early daylight use. However, limitations include insufficient afternoon light, reduced winter performance, and brightness issues. Overall, the study highlights the significant impact of orientation on daylight performance in traditional Turkish houses. While the 315° orientation demonstrates clear advantages, its drawbacks emphasize the need for balanced design strategies that consider both seasonal and daily variations in natural light.