In climate-responsive design, daylighting is used to achieve which benefits?

• A. Increase artificial lighting use.
• B. Maximize natural light to reduce artificial lighting and improve occupant well-being.
• C. Decrease views.
• D. Increase structural complexity.

Answer: (B)

Daylighting in climate-responsive design is about bringing in as much natural light as possible to meet lighting needs during the day. The main goal is to cut down on artificial lighting, which saves energy, and to support occupant well-being by providing daylight, natural views, and a connection to the outdoors. When daylighting is done well—using appropriate window placement, glazing, and shading to control glare and heat—the result is lower electricity use for lighting and a more comfortable, healthier environment for occupants.

The other options miss this core aim: increasing artificial lighting runs opposite the purpose of daylighting; decreasing views ignores the visual connection daylighting provides to the outside; and increasing structural complexity is not a primary benefit of daylighting and can even complicate the design without improving daylight performance.