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MAITHA M. DALMOUK AL-NUAIMI
Department of Architectural Engineering
College of Engineering
Title
Tools developed for Courtyard Design to enhance Daylight Performance in Adjacent Spaces under Desert Clear
Sky Conditions
Faculty Advisor
Prof. Khaled A. Al-Sallal
Defense Date
11 June 2015
Abstract
The court or courtyard refers to an area surrounded by the walls of a structure. It does not have a roof
and is open to the sky. The courtyard is functionally an outdoor space that can be used in many ways:
to provide extension to the indoor activities in the outdoors, to create a central space for social activities,
and/or to create a private garden. Its high popularity is understandable as it improves building’s functions
and occupants’ security and privacy; and it promotes fresh air and light. The majority of studies were
carried out on the functionality of courtyards examined its thermal performance and shading and exposure
within the courtyard. Other courtyard studies that investigated its daylight performance in adjacent spaces
were conducted for locations with overcast skies. Further studies that help to predict adequate daylight
availability and quality in spaces adjoining a courtyard are needed in locations characterized with clear
skies (Hot Arid climate). The aim of this research is to study the amount of daylight entering spaces
adjacent to courtyards, and how different courtyard configuration forms (different length, width, and
height ratio) affect daylight availability. The study is conducted under desert clear sky conditions of the
UAE. The performance variables in question use Climate-based Daylight Metrics (Daylight Autonomy, and
its variations). The method to investigate the daylight performance depends on computer simulations
using Daysim software under Rhino Interface. The study analysis the above mentioned metrics in relation
to daylight penetration into the adjacent spaces only, and concludes with guidelines on the optimum
courtyard design and proper sizing of its space and adjacent zones to improve natural lighting and visual
performance and recommendations to further enhance the daylight performance.
Dissertation