Abstract

Objective: The study was aimed at identifying the factors that influence the choice of windows in residential buildings in general and contemporary and tropical modernist residential buildings specifically as well as comparing the window characteristics for daylighting such as windowsill height, room depth, head height, window size, that define a window as performing according to determine whether they were according to the required.

Method: The characteristics that define a window as performing according to required in contemporary and tropical modernist buildings (windowsill height, head height, room depth and window size) were measured. Windows in buildings for both cases were measured, and observation schedules were used to obtain data.

Results: Fenestrations in tropical modernist buildings were found to adhere to the standard with window size for maximum daylighting found within the range of 10% and 40% for all orientations. Southeast and southwest orientations allow for the penetration of maximum amount of light as compared to the other orientations. Windows in contemporary modernist building adhered to the standards except for the living room whose window head height was not as required. Windows in tropical modernist buildings spaces were according to the required.

Conclusion: Tropical modernist buildings were found to adhere to the standards as compared to contemporary buildings according to the parameters used in determining the daylight performance.