Which daylighting feature is most effective at reducing glare while providing even distribution?

• A. Large uninterrupted windows
• B. Light shelves
• C. No shading devices
• D. Direct sun on workspace

Answer: (B)

Using daylighting features that reduce glare while delivering even illumination is crucial for comfortable working spaces. Light shelves achieve this by catching incoming sunlight and reflecting it upward to the ceiling. The reflected daylight then spreads across the ceiling and back down into the room, producing diffuse light that reaches deeper into the space. This reduces the intensity of direct sun entering the eye at desk level, minimizing glare and avoiding harsh bright spots. The result is a more uniform light level across all work areas, making tasks easier to see without straining. By comparison, large uninterrupted windows let in a lot of direct sun, which can cause glare and hot spots near the window and create uneven lighting. Having no shading or daylight control also allows direct sun to hit work surfaces, leading to glare and uneven distribution. Therefore, light shelves are the best option among these for achieving both glare reduction and even daylight distribution.