Natural daylighting through double skin façades: a review

In buildings with double skin façades (DSF), the amount of light entering the internal spaces depends on the properties of the outer surface, the build-up of the layers of the façade, as well as their architectural features and shading devices (if any). However, studies focusing on the incidence of daylighting in buildings with DSF are still few and far between. In this context, this study aims at reviewing the previous academic research on the effects of DSF on daylighting in buildings, analysing the impacts of architectural design and detailing parameters (e.g. shading device, cavity depth, structure, skin fabric materials, and build-up, and the building and façade orientations) on the natural lighting of buildings with DSF. This study uses a scoping methodology to filter through the state-of-the-art in the literature on DSF. In this study, the literature search has been conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect leading into 148 major publications. The final number was narrowed down to 33 due to several reasons. Overall, results indicate that, compared to conventional façades, DSF decreases daylight levels, prevents glare, and enhances a more uniform distribution of light in internal spaces of buildings. Concluding remarks identify the gaps in the knowledge and pinpoint potential areas for future research.