COURTYARD VISUAL COMFORT ISSUES IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN TROPICAL CLIMATE MALAYSIA

Abstract

Courtyards, while effective as multifunctional open spaces and passive daylight strategies in buildings, face challenges in tropical climates such as visual discomfort due to intense solar radiation. Visual discomfort impacts outdoor activities, affecting the efficiency of courtyards. To understand this issue, Setia Walk Puchong has been selected as a case study. Observation, fieldwork measurement, and simulation are methods used in investigating visual comfort performance. The main issues identified include uneven light distribution, glare, and insufficient shading, suggesting the need for effective design solutions. Given the context of tropical climates, the study aims to explore architectural strategies that can enhance visual comfort and ensure courtyards remain functional and usable spaces. This involves adapting designs to mitigate issues such as uneven lighting, glare, inadequate shading, and other factors that impact comfort in courtyards. Optimal configurations like small, deep, and decentralised courtyards are among the strategies to provide shade effectively. Choosing elements such as layered greenery and independent structures that can help mitigate glare and manage illuminance levels are other strategies for ensuring courtyards are functional and inviting spaces in tropical climates.