EVALUATION OF NATURAL LIGHTING DISTRIBUTION AND VISUAL COMFORT AT EPLUS CO-WORKING SPACE YOGYAKARTA USING DIALUX EVO

Abstract

The rapid growth of co-working spaces in urban areas has increased the demand for high-quality indoor environments that support user productivity and visual comfort. One of the major challenges is the extensive use of glazing with a high Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR), which often results in uneven daylight distribution, excessive glare, and reduced visual comfort. This study aims to evaluate the daylighting performance of Eplus Co-Working Space Yogyakarta and identify the most effective façade design strategy for improving visual comfort using DIALux evo simulation. A quantitative comparative approach was employed through field illuminance measurements, three-dimensional building modeling, simulation model validation, and comparative testing of several sun-shading configurations, including vertical, horizontal, and egg-crate systems, under equinox and solstice conditions. The results indicate that the existing building exhibits significant daylight imbalance, with illuminance levels exceeding 1,000 lux near the façade, causing glare, while the inner areas receive only 20–150 lux, which is below the recommended illuminance level for office work. Among all simulated scenarios, the 0° egg-crate shading configuration demonstrated the best performance by providing the most uniform daylight distribution, eliminating the risk of over-illumination, and maintaining illuminance levels within the recommended range for office spaces. The study concludes that the implementation of 0° egg-crate shading is the most effective façade strategy for optimizing daylight performance and enhancing visual comfort in co-working spaces, while interior areas with insufficient daylight require supplementary artificial lighting or carefully designed additional openings.