How can daylighting lead to glare, and how can it be mitigated?

• A. Direct sunlight or bright reflections cause glare; mitigated by shading, diffusing glazing, and proper interior layout.
• B. Glare cannot occur.
• C. Glare is not a problem.
• D. Only external shading reduces glare.

Answer: (A)

Glare from daylighting happens when very bright light, such as direct sun or strong reflections, enters the eyes and creates hot spots in the field of view that make tasks hard to see and cause discomfort. The most effective way to handle this is to manage light before and after it gets inside the space. External shading helps by blocking direct sun from reaching the glazing, reducing the intensity of daylight. If some daylight still comes in, diffusing glazing or using translucent filters spreads the light more evenly, preventing sharp bright spots. Additionally, setting up the interior layout so work surfaces and screens aren’t directly in line with bright light or reflective surfaces minimizes uncomfortable glare. Combining these strategies with appropriate, controllable electric lighting completes the glare control.