Approach to the circadian rhythm in the design of daylighting in office buildings (Atena Editora)

Abstract

The relevance of daylight went beyond issues of energy savings or illuminance required by standards, after the discovery of the third class of photoreceptors: intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These cells are responsible for non-visual responses, regulating the circadian rhythm, culminating, consequently, in the physiological and behavioral performance of individuals. This research aimed to analyze an example of the recurrent typology of office buildings in São Paulo, from the point of view of the performance of the users' circadian rhythm, with the objective of tracing design guidelines that aimed at taking advantage of natural lighting and well-being. being of its occupants. The method used the ALFA (Adaptive Lighting for Alertness) tool in the selected typology, in order to evaluate its potential in relation to the users' circadian rhythm. The results indicated the need to evaluate the pertinence of glass skin buildings for the city of São Paulo, whose window-to-wall ratio parameter exceeds that recommended by researchers in the area, as well as studies of facades based on the geometry of insolation, such as the analysis of the sky view factor and solar protection, in addition to the choice of selective glasses. So that users of office buildings can benefit from natural lighting, and the strategy becomes a viable resource, it is essential that architects design envelopes and internal spaces according to the reach of natural light, in quantities that favor the well-being, productivity and engagement of its occupants, and prevent the occurrence of glare.