Optimizing Annual Daylighting Performance for Atrium-Based Classrooms of Primary and Secondary Schools in Nanjing, China

Influenced by educational policies and newly emerging philosophies, the proportion of public space is expanding in primary secondary schools China. Consequently, atrium school design increasingly drawing attention due to consideration efficiency its accommodability for diverse activities. Although many studies have already explored daylighting performance atriums, particularities are rarely noticed, which leads lack a reliable basis quick judgment early stage. This study used annual daylight metrics Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA300,50%) Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE1000,250 h) as indicators, built parametric model Grasshopper, conducted simulation using Ladybug–Honeybee plug-in, separately performed linear regression analysis on three groups data from different types atriums. The results show that Nanjing’s climate, north east sides atriums most suitable orientations classrooms, corridor width 3 m ensures high-quality bottom floors. optimal equations length provided respectively, hopefully, ensure classrooms surrounding can reach requirement sDA300,50% ≥ 0.75, recommendations offered based results.