Standardization of optimization methodology of daylighting and shading strategy: a case study of an architectural design studio – the German University in Cairo, Egypt

Open-air school movement aims to maximize daylighting through fully glazed façade to enhance the well-being and performance of students. Excessive daylight, however, causes discomfort and would, therefore, require shading. While research into optimizing daylighting are numerous; these, however, do not seem to follow a clear and consistent path of investigation. Consequently, the optimized solution may differ. This paper aims to formalize a systematic way to optimize shading devices in predefined steps towards forming a ‘Standardized optimization methodology’. A real challenge of the daylighting-shading situation is investigated in a pedagogical architectural design studio at the German University in Cairo to evaluate the proposed methodology. Daylighting measurements validated Radiance simulation by 94% correlation. Genetic algorithms are used to optimize daylighting. The parametric simulation and sensitivity indices validated the optimized solution and provided an insight on the significant shading devices on daylighting model response, and therefore, the findings validate the application of the standardized methodology.