The effect of hospital design on indoor daylight quality in children section in King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and analyze the indoor daylight quality in Pediatrics Ward in King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH). It conducts an investigative analyses associated with an evaluative approach for the daylight situation in patient rooms in the children sections in KAUH. A multi-method approach was undertaken including on-site measurements, and building simulation software (RADIANCE) to develop a framework for lighting design in Pediatrics Ward.Daylight conditions were assessed in the hospital site to investigate light quality. A patient room from the Pediatrics Ward in wing A in the hospital was selected. The study considered the following variables: the differences in daylight environments (illuminance, luminance level, and daylight factor), and the physical environment properties of patient rooms in the hospital.The study found that the indoor daylight performance in terms of illuminance, luminance level and daylight factor in patients rooms are higher than the recommended values by CIBSE. Therefore, attention must be paid to the effect of the surface characteristics, reflectance values of room surfaces, and the physical properties of glazing materials on daylight quality in the hospital. In addition, sun-shading elements must be provided in patients’ rooms, to avoid excessive glare and to guarantee a good level of visual comfort for patients and staff.