Dynamic shading systems offer a promising approach to improving daylight and visual comfort in hot climates. The present work aims to enhance hourly daylighting performance by optimizing useful daylight illuminance (UDI_{500~1000 lx}), illuminance uniformity (Uo), and daylight glare probability (DGP). Radiance and SPEA-2 enable the identification of optimal solutions for corrugated, perforated, and separated trapezoid shading systems. The first multi-objective optimization selected a 15° slat angle, yielding an average illuminance of approximately 782.22 lx, a Uo of 0.7229, 100% coverage in the UDI_{500~1000 lx} range, and a DGP of 0.3324. Fully automatic control of the upper, central, and lower facade sections addressed issues of UDI_{300~500 lx} in June and UDI_{1000~2000 lx} in December. Corrugated shadings achieved over 90% for UDI_{500~1000 lx} during most investigated equinox and solstice conditions, with a minimum Uo of 0.79 in March and approximately 0.6 in December. Perforated inclined panels improved UDI_{500~1000 lx} for morning and afternoon. The fully automated trapezoid-separated shading system increased UDI_{500~1000 lx} coverage to at least 99.47% at 15:00 in March, 92.95% at 15:00 in June, and 92.06% at 12:00 in December, with DGP within imperceptible glare. The methodological scope was limited to a selected office space and point-in-time simulations from 10:00 to 15:00 on representative equinox and solstice days; therefore, the results should be interpreted as simulation-based design guidance rather than full annual or experimentally validated performance.

Daylighting plays a pivotal role in mosques, shaping their sacred atmosphere and enhancing the spiritual experience for worshippers. Beyond a mere architectural consideration, the integration of natural light into mosque design fundamentally influences the ambiance and functionality of these religious spaces. This study investigates the key factors that enhance daylight levels and visual comfort within prayer halls. It specifically evaluates illuminance levels, light distribution, and glare in four domed mosques located in Saudi Arabia. Field measurements were conducted beneath the domes of these prayer spaces, each featuring clerestory windows of varying forms and dimensions. Based on architectural specifications and material properties, daylight simulations and modeling were performed using the RADIANCE engine integrated with Grasshopper. The simulation results were validated against on-site illuminance measurements to ensure model accuracy and reliability. The primary objective was to assess whether the existing daylighting conditions comply with the recommended illuminance standards for reading and prayer, typically ranging from 150 to 500 lux. This study revealed that the illuminance levels in the central dome area exceeded the recommended values, reaching over 3000 lux. To improve daylight distribution, shading systems such as flat and curved shelves were added to the drum’s windows. This research concludes that the light shelves and vacuum double glazing significantly improved indoor daylight performance by preventing direct sunlight entry into the prayer hall and redirecting it towards the dome. This intervention successfully reduced excessive illuminance levels to a more optimal level of around 447–774 lux during the noon prayer period, ensuring a balanced and comfortable environment for worshippers.

Room-average reverberation time (RT) is commonly used to assess acoustic conditions in existing sports halls. Still, it provides limited guidance on where additional measurements or retrofit investigations should be prioritised. This study develops and demonstrates an auditable acoustic performance decision framework using measurements from four school sports halls in Amman, Jordan. The framework separates five decision dimensions: benchmark-relative performance deficit, receiver-level and octave-band heterogeneity, spectral behaviour, first-order intervention burden, and evidence quality. Octave-band RT and descriptive unoccupied sound pressure-level data were available at three receiver positions from 125 to 8000 Hz. Mid-frequency RT (T_mf; 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) was compared with the BB93 refurbishment benchmark, with leave-one-receiver-out sensitivity and data-quality checks used to test the stability of the diagnosis. All four halls exceeded T_mf = 2.0 s (2.50–3.11 s). Case 1 showed the largest deficit (~56%) and T_mf receiver variability (~25%); Cases 2 and 3 showed moderate deficits with low variability; and Case 4 combined the smallest mean deficit with the highest mean bandwise variability (~15%). The framework converts measurement data into explicit case-specific next actions for measurement and retrofit development while making evidence quality visible.

Achieving optimal daylighting in buildings necessitates complex and expensive control systems. This research addresses this challenge by proposing a simple and more practical solution: a parametric louver system based on rotating slats controlled by stepper motors, powered by an Integrated Circuit platform (Arduino board), which can translate the digital figures (the rotation angles) to a physical action. The system automatically adjusts the slats in accordance with solar altitudes and reflects them to specific targets over the ceiling. This ensures a uniform and comfortable distribution of daylight throughout a room. This system was developed using Grasshopper as the parametric software, with future control planned via a user-friendly mobile app through a preliminary prototype. This daylighting system prioritises human visual comfort while targeting a significant 53% reduction in electrical lighting energy consumption. The system aims to enhance occupant well-being to significantly increase energy savings, making it a compelling solution for sustainable building design.