A review of daylighting qualities in two assisted living facilities in a hot and humid climate

This study investigates daylight conditions in two assisted living facilities built on the same site in different years: 1964 and 2011. As eyes age, they require higher illuminance levels to offset the reduction in the amount of light reaching the retina; therefore, daylight plays an important role in the design of facilities. Site visits were conducted to collect detailed data, i.e. physical properties of materials, illuminance, and luminance measurements using High Dynamic Range photography. Representative spaces in both facilities were modeled and simulated using the Ecotect, RADIANCE and DAYSIM lighting programs. Preliminary results have shown that the new facility, in general, provides lower illuminance levels and reduced glare probability than the old one. This study found that the new assisted living facility did not improve daylighting conditions and relies more on the use of electric lighting than the old one.