The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Integrated Analysis of Daylight Metrics in Elderly Housing Design (A Case Study of Isfahan)

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.518578.5798
Volume 22, Issue 151
January 2026
Pages 75-86
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Azita Tahmasebi 1
Rima Fayyaz 2
Ahmad Delbari 3
Ali nouri 1
Maryam Ghasemi 4

1 Department of Architecture, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Architecture Technology, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Aging, University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Architecture, IS.C, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
Problem statement:  In hot–arid climates, effective use of natural daylight is one of the key factors in improving the quality of life for the elderly, as daylight not only has physiological and psychological benefits but also reduces dependence on artificial lighting. However, many elderly housing complexes in this climate face challenges in meeting natural lighting standards.
Research objective: The aim of this study is to quantitatively analyze key daylight performance indicators including Daylight Autonomy (DA), Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), and Sky View Factor (SVF) in selected elderly housing units in the city of Isfahan. To achieve this goal, field data were collected using a lux meter at different times of day and then validated through precise simulations in Dialux and Ladybug software.
Research method: This study combines a field-based approach (measuring ambient light with a lux meter at various times of the day) with detailed simulations conducted using Dialux and Ladybug to evaluate the daylighting conditions of the examined spaces.
Conclusion:  The results showed that many of the studied spaces do not meet desirable levels in terms of DA and sDA, although a limited number of areas were able to provide natural light within the optimal UDI range (100–3000 lux). Moreover, SVF values in some spaces particularly in northern zones or areas affected by external shading elements were lower than standard thresholds. Overall, the findings indicate that the current design of elderly housing in hot–arid climates does not fully align with the daylighting requirements of this population group.

Keywords

Daylight
Elderly Housing
Hot-Arid Climate
Daylight Metrics
Daylight Simulation.
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