2024 - Illuminating the future

LIGHT OF TOMORROW: Illuminating the future

ValueJet Office Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Introduction
Building design has evolved over time to focus on lowering operating costs and enhancing aesthetic appeal. Day lighting, which regulates the emission of daylight, direct sun light, and diffused skylight, has become increasingly important in reducing energy use and achieving Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). The daylight factor (DF) is used to quantify the performance of a structure. Le-Corbusier also emphasized the importance of light in architecture.The area where power is supplied is another important factor that day lighting uses to enhance and identify ways in which its relevance is reflecting. A country’s ability to thrive economically depends on its ability to deliver electricity, a vital infrastructure component. Nigeria is dealing with a power supply issue that might impact us when we use artificial light. (Gwaivangmin, (2016).
This research explores the use of computer simulations and contemporary architectural design strategies to optimize day lighting in administrative buildings. Day lighting is recognized as an affordable way to save energy and improve visual comfort. It is a key component of environmentally friendly architecture, maximizing natural light utilization for increased occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The ValueJet Office Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos state, Nigeria is the subjective aim of this research, examining how cutting-edge day lighting techniques can transform office spaces under the ”Light of Tomorrow” concept.

Goals/Objectives:
– To assess the ValueJet Office Complex’s existing day lighting methods.
– To make creative suggestions for day lighting that complements the ”Light of Tomorrow” theme.
– To evaluate these solutions’ effects on sustainability, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency.

Challenges in the Value Jet office complex:
– Controlling glare and heat gain, preserving constant light levels, and fusing natural lighting with artificial lighting systems are the challenges facing the Value Jet office complex. (Etu, (2022).
-High energy costs as a result of artificial lighting. (Etu, (2022).
-A shortage of electricity, which mostly affects nations like Nigeria. (Gwaivangmin, (2016)).

Holistic approach to solving this problem:
Large windows on the south and east facades, tinted glass to lessen heat gain and glare, open floor layouts for improved natural light distribution, light-colored walls and ceilings, and exterior shading devices are some of the current day lighting solutions. Advanced glazing technologies such as electro chromic glass and low-E glass, dynamic facades with motorized louvers, and green facades with plants for natural shading and better air quality are examples of ”Light of Tomorrow” day lighting solutions.In order to reflect sunlight deeper into interior areas, light shelving and reflecting surfaces are also utilized. In order to distribute natural light more equally around the office, reflective ceilings are employed.
To ensure ideal lighting levels and energy savings, daylight sensors and smart lighting systems are used to change artificial lighting based on natural light availability. Daylight sensors and smart lighting controllers collaborate to provide steady illumination. All in all, these tactics are meant to enhance day lighting in the future.The optimal way to achieve day lighting on a building site is to align the building façade within 30 degrees to the south in order to maximize the useful daily hours. This catches the days’ worth of daylight in balance. Although there is less sunshine overall, the east and west facing façades receive intense morning and afternoon light. Low, indirect light is collected by orientations that face north. These orientations are optimal given the planned spaces.

The impact evaluation emphasizes the suggested solution’s environmental sustainability, occupational well-being, and energy efficiency. It draws attention to the decreased use of artificial lighting, more productivity, better thermal comfort, less eye strain, and a smaller carbon impact. By using renewable natural light and consuming less energy, the system also helps achieve sustainability goals and green building certifications.

Relevance of the study:
The significance of this research study is to bring about the awareness of day lighting into our buildings despite the use of technology without the use of electricity. To make use of maximum day lighting

Other recommendations:
-Conduct pilot projects to evaluate the suggested day lighting options in certain office complex zones.
-In order to make sure the solutions satisfy realistic demands and preferences, involve facility managers and occupants in the planning and implementation process.
– To ensure peak performance, implement a system for ongoing observation and modification of day illumination tactics.
– The design of administrative buildings should be such that day lighting performance is optimized from the design stage with the aid of BIM software to ensure proper lighting-based illumination. (Etu, (2022). )

Adopting the ”Light of Tomorrow” methodology would allow the ValueJet Office Complex to set the standard for creative and sustainable Nigerian architecture.