The impact of applying recent façade technology on daylighting performance in buildings in eastern Mediterranean

Energy shortage has surfaced in Lebanon during and after the civil war. There is a need to rationalise the use of energy in the building sector. Building façade design in Lebanon is not taking fully advantage of the 12 h daylighting availability. Architects are not conscious of the impacts of the evolution of façade design on energy consumption. The lack of regulation led to over estimation of the impacts on cooling load and much less attention is given to impacts on daylighting. This paper aims to examine the changes of façade configuration throughout the last century and their impact on daylighting levels in Beirut offices. The historical development of façade design is reviewed. Categories of buildings are identified. Examples of each category are examined for their daylighting efficiencies.