The Evaluation of the Impact of Furniture Layout on Daylight Performance in an Adaptively Reused Library: The Case of Istanbul Ticaret University Küçükyalı Campus

Abstract

This study comparatively evaluates the effects of eleven alternative furniture layouts developed parametrically with the current layout on the natural lighting performance of Istanbul Ticaret University Küçükyalı Campus Library. Within the scope of the study, spatial models created with AutoCAD and SketchUp software were integrated into the Rhino–Grasshopper platform; daylight analyses were performed using the Honeybee plugin. In accordance with international standards, sDA (Spatial Daylight Autonomy), ASE (Annual Sunlight Exposure) and UDI (Useful Daylight Illuminance) metrics were adopted as basic performance criteria. According to the analysis results, in the current layout, positioning the stacks directly in front of glass surfaces limits the homogeneous distribution of daylight throughout the interior with a performance of sDA 60.21%, UDI 74.57% and ASE 5.63%. In alternative layout scenarios, significant increases in sDA and UDI values were observed in arrangements where the shelves were moved away from the facades and the work areas were brought closer to natural light sources. The highest sDA value was obtained in scenario number 7 with 75.20%, while the lowest ASE value was obtained in the current layout with 5.35%. The results show that furniture placement is a decisive design input not only in terms of functional circulation and aesthetic continuity, but also in terms of daylight performance and optimization of user-oriented visual comfort. Furthermore, the daylight assessment was conducted in line with EN 17037, ensuring the study’s consistency with internationally recognized standards for daylight provision.