ANALYSIS OF EXISTING DAYLIGHTING CONDITIONS IN SELECTED LIBRARY SPACES IN KADUNA, NIGERIA
* Corresponding author: adtachio@gmail.com
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the existing daylighting conditions in selected library spaces in Kaduna State, Nigeria, recognising that abundant natural light in the tropical wet-dry climate is underutilised. It aims to assess the visual comfort, light distribution, and energy efficiency challenges associated with traditional daylighting design approaches.
Design/methodology/approach: The study analysed three library case studies using climate-based daylight modelling and field measurements. Tools such as Velux Daylight Visualizer and Revit® were employed to evaluate illuminance levels and glare conditions. User surveys were also conducted to understand seating preferences regarding lighting comfort.
Findings: Results revealed uneven daylight distribution, excessive glare near windows, and insufficient illumination at core reading areas (often <300 lux). Average illuminance near windows reached 662.91 lux, but dropped significantly deeper into spaces. This shortfall leads to reliance on artificial lighting, contributing 20–30% to building energy loads. Survey feedback showed that 74% of users preferred well-lit seating areas.
Research limitations/Implications: The study is limited to selected libraries within Kaduna State and focuses primarily on side-lighting design, which may not reflect design variations across Nigeria. Simulation accuracy, although validated, may not capture all real-time conditions. Future research should explore the long-term performance of enhanced daylighting strategies and broader user behaviour.
Practical implications: Findings highlight the need to improve daylighting performance to enhance visual comfort, reduce operational costs, and mitigate reliance on artificial lighting in regions with unstable electricity. Introducing top-lighting strategies, including light pipes, is recommended to extend daylight penetration and improve energy efficiency.
Originality/value – This research provides a foundational re-analysis of daylighting in library spaces within the tropical Nigerian context. It offers evidence-based guidance for redesigning educational buildings to improve sustainability, wellbeing, and learning environments, addressing a critical gap in regional architectural practice.
Keywords
References
- Buhari, A. A., & Alibaba, H. Z. (2019). ANALYSIS OF DAYLIGHTING QUALITY. 7(4), 6–20.
- Gregg D. Ander, F. (2016). Daylighting | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide. In U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP).
- Monteoliva, J. M., Villalba, A., & Pattini, A. (2018). Daylighting metrics: An approach to dynamic cubic illuminance. Journal of Daylighting, 5(2). [https://doi.org/10.15627/jd.2018.6](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.15627/jd.2018.6)
- Omar, O., García-Fernández, B., Fernández-Balbuena, A. Á., & Vázquez-Moliní, D. (2018). Optimization of daylight utilization in energy saving application on the library in faculty of architecture, design and built environment, Beirut Arab University. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 57(4). [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.10.006](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.10.006)
- Othman, A. R., & Mazli, M. A. M. (2015). Influences of Daylighting towards Readers' Satisfaction at Raja Tun Uda Public Library, Shah Alam. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 68, 244–257. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.12.224](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.12.224)
- Sherif, A., Sabry, H., Wagdy, A., Mashaly, I., & Arafa, R. (2016). Shaping the slats of hospital patient room window blinds for daylighting and external view under desert clear skies. Solar Energy, 133. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2016.03.053](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2016.03.053)
- Suk, J. Y., & Kensek, K. (2015). Difference between Daylight Factor (overcast sky) and Daylight Availability (clear sky) in Computer-based Daylighting Simulations. Journal of Creative Sustainable Architecture & Built Environment (CSABE), June 2015.
- Wu, Y., Jin, M., Liu, M., & Li, S. (2024). Integrated Systems of Light Pipes in Buildings: A Stateofthe-Art Review. In Buildings (Vol. 14, Issue 2). [https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020425](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.3390%2Fbuildings14020425)
ADAMU, T., OJOBO, H., DUNIYA, D. S., & IDOWU, I. A. (2025). ANALYSIS OF EXISTING DAYLIGHTING CONDITIONS IN SELECTED LIBRARY SPACES IN KADUNA, NIGERIA. Kaduna State University Environmental Sciences Journal, 5(2), 82-91. https://doi.org/10.66884/kesj.2025.ki6w9h1u
T. ADAMU, H. OJOBO, D. S. DUNIYA, and I. A. IDOWU, "ANALYSIS OF EXISTING DAYLIGHTING CONDITIONS IN SELECTED LIBRARY SPACES IN KADUNA, NIGERIA," Kaduna State University Environmental Sciences Journal, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 82-91, November 2025. doi: 10.66884/kesj.2025.ki6w9h1u
