How well do New Zealand Architects Understand Systems and Methods for Re-Directing Natural Light into the Deep, Windowless Spaces of Buildings?

Abstract

The natural lighting of buildings is conventionally achieved directly through apertures in the external envelope, and in particular through the walls (windows) and the roof (skylights). There is, however, a growing catalogue of methods and systems which facilitate daylighting in spaces remote from these exterior openings where conventional methods cannot be used effectively, if at all. This provision for natural lighting of deep architectural space is referred to in this paper as ‘core-daylighting’. The paper addresses two main issues: (i) a range of core-daylighting systems, and (ii) the findings from a survey of New Zealand architects (approximately 1 in 3 of those listed in the Architects Education and Registration Board register). The respondents were canvassed to establish their knowledge of, and interest in, systems and methods for re-directing natural light into the deep, windowless spaces of buildings.