Evaluation Of The Effect Of Natural Light On Visual Comfort In The Design Of A Meuseum

Museums are institutions dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting objects of cultural, historical, scientific, or artistic significance. They play a vital role in society, acting as custodians of our collective heritage and knowledge (Wetcher, 2023). The use of natural light in museums has been the subject of much research over the years, with scholars examining its impact on everything from energy use and conservation to the aesthetic quality of exhibits and the visitor experience. 

Licht (2002) also showed that daylight if properly provided, can enhance the visual appeal and overall quality of exhibit spaces, providing a balanced interior space lighting that highlights the colors and texture of artifacts on display and also, provide a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for visitors, which at the end, enhance the reduction of strain on the eyes and creating a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, Aderonmu (2019) and Tabadkani et. al (2021) added on the major challenges of glare and direct sunlight on visibility, intensity and quality of views in museums.

One of the earliest studies conducted by Scuello et. al in (2004) explored the impact of natural light on the display of artworks showed the effect of light on appearance and preservation of paintings in museums. They found out that high UV light can damage paintings over time. In 2010, Wymelenberg and Inanici explored using natural light in museums to save energy. They studied positioning of windows and the use of special shading systems. So, while the first study focused on how light impacts paintings, the second one looked at using natural light in museums to be more energy-efficient.

A more recent study by Mardaljevic, et.al (2013) examined the use of natural light in the National Museum of Scotland, using computer simulations and physical measurements to evaluate the impact of different daylighting strategies on the visual appearance and energy use of the space. They found that careful placement of windows and the use of diffusing glazing materials can optimize natural light while minimizing glare and heat gain.

Research has also investigated the impact of natural light on the visitor experience of museums where Kuo et.al (2018) surveyed visitors to two museums, one with primarily artificial lighting and one with natural lighting, to compare their experiences and perceptions of the exhibit spaces. The study found that visitors in the natural light museum reported feeling more comfortable and relaxed, with greater clarity and visibility of the exhibits.

Another study that examined the potential benefits of natural light in museums in Nigeria was undertaken by Sholanke & Oyeyipo, (2023) who argued that the use of natural light in museum design can help to reduce energy use and create more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing exhibit spaces. The researchers also provided a series of recommendations for incorporating natural light into museum design in Nigeria, including the use of high-performance glazing and shading systems.

Research Methodology

Climate-based daylight modelling (CBDM) was used in this study as the simulation's framework because it enables the prediction of a variety of radiant or luminous quantities, including irradiance, illuminance, radiance, and luminance, using information about the sky and sun obtained from a location's standard meteorological datasets (Mardaljeric, 2006). In museum settings, light exposure design serves as a performance indicator for a significant duration. It will also provide data based on absolute values for daylighting system calibration and building design assessment (Mardaljeric, 2006).

Research Design

According to Inaam (2016), a research design is the conceptual blueprint within which research is conducted. It constitutes the outline of collection, measurement and analysis of data. Two case studies and quasi-experimental (simulation) research design were adopted for the study. The case study research design is a qualitative research method concerned with visual survey (identifying, interpreting and describing what already exist). While, experimental research design which is more of qausi-experimental research to be interpreted in quantities with assigned units.

Case studies selection criteria 

1. Access to the facilities
2. Climatic zone of the proposed sites for the research
3. Presence of daylight architectural elements in the building.

The selected case studies are;

Gida Makama Musem, kano.

Officially opened in 1975, the Gidan Makama museum, shown in Plate 1, is a museum situated in the hot and arid city of Kano, Nigeria. Prior to the construction of the current Emir's palace, the Gidan Makama was built in 1750 for Kano's then-emir, Muhammad Rumfa.

Following the completion of the new palace, which is now known as the present palace, the Emir Muhammad Rumfa vacated the old palace, then Makaman Kano, one of the emirate's king makers, became the inhabitant of the house. Hence the name, Gidan Makama.

Plate 1 Showing Enterance of Gidan Makama Museum

Source: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/

Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja.

This modern art and cultural center is situated in Area 10 of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. It is a multidisciplinary hub for contemporary Nigerian art and culture that offers opportunities to appreciate performance and visual art. In order to prevent the various indigenous groups of Abuja from disappearing, this facility was built with the intention of preserving their arts and cultures prior to Abuja's elevation to the status of Nigeria's capital. It is named after renowned writer, Cyprian Ekwensi.

Plate 2 Showing Façade of Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture

Source: https://www.top-rated.online/cities/

Method of Data Collection

Computer simulation 

Data from case study was collected and quasi experimental (simulation) was performed using Ecotect. Computer simulation is a simulation, run on a single computer or a network of computers, to reproduce behaviour of a system or situation in real life. It can be used to explore and gain new insights into new technology and to estimate the performance of systems too complex for analytical solutions. In daylight simulation, it involves predicting, planning and proper design for the impact of daylighting in a space (Vangimalla, Olbina and Issa, 2011)

Instruments for Data Collection

To effectively investigate the cases, the instruments used for the collection and documentation of data are check list, camera, notebook, sketchpad, light metre reading and computer software.

Light metre or illuminance metre

According to Rabade et. al (2015), a light meter is a precision instrument used to measure lux values for quality assurance and testing purposes. In order to assess the ideal light level for a scene, light meters were also employed in the domains of scenic design and cinematography. For the study, HS 1010A is the light metre used to collect the readings on museums used at the case studies, as shown in plate 3

Plate 3  HS 1010A Light meter

Analysis, Results, Findings And Discussion

 Figure 1: Base case model with intervention 1

Figure 2: Recorded illuminances for Base case model with intervention 1 Source: Researcher 2023

Figure 3: Base case model with intervention 2

Figure 4: Recorded illuminances for Base case model with intervention 2

Figure 5: Base case model with intervention 3

Figure 6: Recorded illuminances for Base case model with intervention 3

Table 3 showing Recorded light intensity of  spaces at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture

Validation of measured illuminance 

Validation typically refers to the process of confirming the accuracy and reliability of the data and methods used in the study. This is crucial to ensure that the findings and conclusions drawn from the research are sound and can be trusted.

In daylighting research, accurately measuring how much natural light enters buildings is crucial. To double-check our measurements, computer simulations were used. These simulations helped to create virtual models and see how sunlight and daylight interact with the building.  

Findings From Simulation

Findings from simulation showed that the utilization of clerestories in the first intervention, sized at 2500mm x 400 and positioned at 2700mm head height, resulted in a window-to-wall ratio of 3.4%. The recorded average intensity was 278.95 lux, these are shown in figures 1 and 2. As for the second intervention, windows sized at 2500x1200mm and positioned at 2100mm head height, were employed, the window-to-wall ratio increased to 10%. The recorded average intensity was also notably increased to 1087.74 lux as shown in figures 3 and 4. As for the third intervention there was a combination of windows and clerestories with sizes; (a) 2500x1200mm and (b) 2500mm x 400 and were placed at respective head heights of 2700mm and 2100mm, the window-to-wall ratio was 8.4%. This intervention was adopted because it is the most suitable and closely complied with IESNA standards as shown in figures 5 and 6. The recorded average intensity fell between the values of Interventions 1 and 2, at 894.03 lux. These findings highlight the impact of window design and placement on the distribution of daylight, with Intervention 2 achieving the highest average intensity, followed by Intervention 3, and then Intervention 1. The window-to-wall ratio also serves as a critical factor in optimizing visual comfort, with Intervention 2 having the highest ratio.

CONCLUSION

The research examined the National Museums, focusing on its daylighting conditions and architectural attributes. Situated in the city, the museum's surroundings pose challenges and opportunities for daylight penetration. Thoughtful orientation strategies optimize solar exposure while minimizing solar heat gain. Internal courtyard systems facilitate natural light penetration, contributing to a luminous internal environment. Challenges such as poor circulation and aging infrastructure were noted, necessitating ongoing refinement for optimal daylighting efficacy.

Gidan Makama Museum in Kano reveals challenges in site planning with sparse vegetation and uneven landscaping. The building's orientation poses a risk of glare due to improper consideration of daylight access. The use of locally molded bricks affects interior reflectance, leading to uneven daylight distribution. Window design varies, with high-level timber windows and glass additions impacting natural light. Daylight conditions across galleries fluctuate, with some meeting standards while others face issues of excessive or insufficient natural light, impacting visitor comfort.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowlede the supports of Gidan Makama Museum and Kano Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja were the case study was carried out

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