LIGHTBUDGET

The Light Budget project aims to explore design strategies and construction techniques that deliver the best balance between daylight autonomy and whole life carbon emissions and stay aligned with the net-zero pathway. To that end, we proposed a multi-disciplinary method and an online graphical interface prototype to generate, explore and analyse an extensive database of +290,000 design alternatives for the typical single- and multi-family houses in Switzerland. Furthermore, the carbon budgets for façade components, in line with Swiss climate strategy, are set using our database. These budgets provide a detailed benchmark for decision-making long before initiating the design phase. We further highlighted the rank of the construction methods based on their daylight benefits and carbon emissions and accordingly, as of 2040, it is increasingly challenging to create well-daylit spaces that also meet carbon budgets. The project outputs were shared with top Swiss de-sign and engineering firms and approved for its efficiency and guidance. Additionally, our findings were published in a prestigious international conference and a leading scientific journal, confirming their validity.