IDENTIFYING OPTIMAL WINDOW-TO-WALL RATIO (WWR) AND WINDOW-TO-FLOOR RATIO (WFR) FOR TYPICAL HIGHER EDUCATIONAL CLASSROOMS TO ADDRESS DEFICIENCIES IN DAYLIGHTING DESIGN

Authors

  • Wan Nur Hanani Wan Abdullah Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, University Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3476-0665
  • Asmat Ismail Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, University Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0312-7085
  • Asniza Hamimi Abdul Tharim Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, University Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Farah Salwati Ibrahim Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, University Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0829-5598
  • Wan Nur Syazwani Wan Mohammad Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, University Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v12i2.7059

Keywords:

Daylighting design, Higher Education classrooms, Simulation, Window-to-Floor Ratio, Window-to-Wall Ratio

Abstract

Daylighting plays a crucial role in creating conducive learning environments in higher education classrooms, enhancing visual comfort, student performance, well-being, and overall satisfaction. However, many educational facilities suffer from poor daylighting design, leading to uneven illumination, glare, and overdependence on artificial lighting. This study addresses these issues by investigating current daylighting conditions, particularly focusing on Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) and Window-to-Floor Ratio (WFR), which significantly influence natural light distribution. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of existing glazing configurations and propose optimised WWR and WFR values using both field measurements and simulation through Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, specifically Autodesk Revit. Field data from two classrooms equipped with tinted glass were compared to daylight factor (DF) standards from MS1525 (2019) and WFR recommendations of UBBL (1984). Findings reveal that while WWR and WFR exceeded the minimum threshold of 20%, daylight penetration, and uniformity varied, with some areas suffering from insufficient light and glare. This research highlights the need for improved daylighting design, offering evidence-based recommendations to optimize natural light in educational spaces, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

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Published

2025-06-23

How to Cite

Wan Abdullah, W. N. H. ., Ismail, A., Abdul Tharim, A. H. ., Ibrahim, F. S. ., & Wan Mohammad, W. N. S. . (2025). IDENTIFYING OPTIMAL WINDOW-TO-WALL RATIO (WWR) AND WINDOW-TO-FLOOR RATIO (WFR) FOR TYPICAL HIGHER EDUCATIONAL CLASSROOMS TO ADDRESS DEFICIENCIES IN DAYLIGHTING DESIGN. Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment, 12(2), 81–102. https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v12i2.7059

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025): Special Issue, June 2025

Section

Articles

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