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http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/5636
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Title: | The Use of Natural Lighting in Students’ Hostels: A Case Study of Ayeduase, a Suburb of Kumasi, Ghana |
Authors: | Koranteng, C. Simons, B. Nkrumah, J. |
Keywords: | Natural Lighting Building Science Occupants Perception |
Issue Date: | Dec-2012 |
Publisher: | Journal of Science and Technology |
Citation: | Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2012, pp 38-48 |
Abstract: | The role that natural lighting plays in buildings cannot be underestimated. Natural light is integrated
into buildings because of its potential economic benefit and the effect on the occupants’
psychological and physiological well-being. This study concentrates on Ayeduase, a suburb of
Kumasi, Ghana, where students live in hostels with poor architectural design. Therefore, the
primary aim of this study is to investigate the health and visual comfort of students living in
Ayeduase, by creating awareness of the positive effects of natural light on humans. Questionnaires
and interviews, as well as empirical measuring of daylight levels in the spaces of selected
hostels were used. Analysed data revealed that the level of illuminance in the hostels is considerably
poor and this resulted in students using artificial lighting throughout the day. Nevertheless,
the negative effect of this situation can be prevented from occurring in further developments
in Ayeduase (and Ghana as a whole), by educating designers on the benefits of using
natural lighting in buildings and by enforcing laws that will ensure that buildings have maximum
openings that allow enough daylight into the interior spaces. These measures will help
reduce utility costs, improve the well-being of building occupants and increase the performance
of students. |
Description: | Article published in the Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2012, pp 38-48 |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/5636 |
Appears in Collections: | Journal of Science and Technology 2000-
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