Evaluating Design Options for Healthy Lighting in Apartment Housing Units Considering LEED, WELL, and Toronto Green Standard

Abstract

Recent studies have shown the importance of healthy, occupant-centric lighting in buildings, but urban apartment housing remains understudied. This project analyzed typical dwellings in apartment housing to determine how unit design parameters impacted daylight and healthy lighting. The simulation-based study compared results using two early-stage design tools: ALFA and ClimateStudio. Design options were evaluated to see whether they met either or all of certain lighting criteria for LEED, WELL, and Toronto Green Standard (TGS). Typically constructed, single aspect, 1-bedroom units were tested in four orientations with different balcony types. A main finding is that the three standards evaluate lighting in different ways. A design that meets LEED requirements may not necessarily meet WELL lighting requirements. As expected, unit orientation, geometry and aspect ratio were the most impactful parameters. Conclusions and recommendations are presented, and future work should focus on actual conditions on site, and surveys to evaluate resident preferences.