A Sustainable Biomimetic Fractal Design Method to Illuminate ...
Abstract
This article discusses the development of a sustainable biomimetic fractal design method that allows sunlight of sufficient quantity and quality to create healthy, aesthetic and sustainable illumination in the interior environment of single-floor buildings, thus saving electricity during the daytime and avoiding its harmful effects. The method depends on two stages: first, collection of the maximum possible sunlight from the exterior space and directing it to the interior space through roof apertures; and second, spreading sunlight onto the walls and floors of the interior space by projecting it through a biomimetic fractal geometric pattern designed ceiling, thus providing adequate illumination. The method mitigates heat and decreases glare, therefore providing good quality of sunlight. This approach also creates a healthy, comfortable interior environment because it stimulates comfortable vision and improves mood responses, inducing mental relaxation and stress recovery. The research also demonstrated the optimal fractal geometrical patterns in the ceiling design and that fractal patterns are preferable compared to non-fractal patterns.