Achieving Integrated Daylighting and Electric Lighting Systems: Current State of the Art and Needed Research

This paper presents the results of a multi-disciplinary effort to clarify the state of the art and the state of practice, and necessary future research for creating the seamless integration and application of light in buildings, regardless of source, which is purposely modulated to illuminate surfaces and designed in a way that is comfortable, healthy, pleasing, cost-effective, and energy efficient. The authors unwrap the research, tools, and technical gaps preventing the full integration of electric lighting and daylighting with advanced facades through the coordination of lighting and windows research activities. The study and a stakeholder workshop captured current technology readiness levels (TRL), as well as research thrusts and implementation guidelines, and identified research priorities, presenting an analysis of the current landscape of lighting metrics—and which metrics are in the critical path for developing integrated daylighting and electric lighting systems, and their design, installation, and technology guidelines. In addition, the study defined stakeholder coordination, pathways to interoperable technology, and the value of viewing the work of the individual research areas holistically rather than in isolation.