Authors :
Tanjina Rahman; Rumana Rashid
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mup2en5x
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/8x3jceuw
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1968
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
In Dhaka, the design of many primary school buildings places considerable emphasis on classroom layout and functional use, yet often overlooks the importance of courtyards in providing adequate natural daylight. Only a limited number of schools acknowledge the role of courtyards in enhancing daylight penetration and ensuring balanced light distribution within classrooms. Proper daylight conditions are essential for children’s visual comfort, health, and overall well-being, as students spend a significant portion of their day indoors. Therefore, creating a learning environment with sufficient and comfortable daylight is crucial for both physical and psychological development. The aim of this research is to identify the necessity of courtyards in primary schools and to evaluate their benefits in improving classroom daylight conditions. The primary objective is to examine the impact of courtyards on daylight availability within classrooms. A quantitative approach was adopted using Dialux Evo software to simulate daylight levels and assess indoor lighting performance. Additionally, a qualitative method was applied through a questionnaire survey conducted among 96 students from two selected primary schools. The survey compared students’ perceptions of daylight conditions in classrooms with and without courtyards. The findings reveal that courtyards act as the “heart” of school buildings by significantly improving daylight access and visual comfort. Schools with courtyards showed higher student Satisfaction, while classrooms without courtyards were often perceived as dim and uncomfortable. Incorporating courtyards in school design can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and promote healthier, child-friendly learning environments.
Keywords :
Courtyards, Primary Classroom, Luminous Environment, Day Light, Student Comfort.
References :
- Koch-Nielsen, H. (2002). Stay Cool: A Design Guide for the Built Environment in Hot Climates. London: James & James.
- Soltanzadeh, H. (2011). The impact of courtyard design on daylight performance in buildings. Building and Environment.
- Taleghani, M., Tenpierik, M., & van den Dobbelsteen, A. (2014). Environmental impact of courtyards in buildings: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.
- Muhaisen, A. S., & Gadi, M. B. (2006). Effect of courtyard proportions on day lighting performance. Building and Environment.
In Dhaka, the design of many primary school buildings places considerable emphasis on classroom layout and functional use, yet often overlooks the importance of courtyards in providing adequate natural daylight. Only a limited number of schools acknowledge the role of courtyards in enhancing daylight penetration and ensuring balanced light distribution within classrooms. Proper daylight conditions are essential for children’s visual comfort, health, and overall well-being, as students spend a significant portion of their day indoors. Therefore, creating a learning environment with sufficient and comfortable daylight is crucial for both physical and psychological development. The aim of this research is to identify the necessity of courtyards in primary schools and to evaluate their benefits in improving classroom daylight conditions. The primary objective is to examine the impact of courtyards on daylight availability within classrooms. A quantitative approach was adopted using Dialux Evo software to simulate daylight levels and assess indoor lighting performance. Additionally, a qualitative method was applied through a questionnaire survey conducted among 96 students from two selected primary schools. The survey compared students’ perceptions of daylight conditions in classrooms with and without courtyards. The findings reveal that courtyards act as the “heart” of school buildings by significantly improving daylight access and visual comfort. Schools with courtyards showed higher student Satisfaction, while classrooms without courtyards were often perceived as dim and uncomfortable. Incorporating courtyards in school design can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and promote healthier, child-friendly learning environments.
Keywords :
Courtyards, Primary Classroom, Luminous Environment, Day Light, Student Comfort.
