Comparative Study on Classroom Luminous Environment in School Designs with and Without Courtyards

Primary schools in Dhaka are predominantly designed with a strong focus on classroom functionality, while the role of architectural elements that influence environmental quality, such as courtyards, remains largely underexplored. As a result, many school buildings fail to utilize courtyards as an effective means of introducing and distributing natural daylight within learning spaces. Access to adequate daylight is a fundamental requirement for children’s visual efficiency, comfort, and long-term well-being, particularly given the extended hours students spend inside classrooms during their formative years. This study seeks to evaluate the contribution of courtyards to daylight performance in primary school classrooms and to determine their relevance in contemporary school design. The research focuses on comparing daylight conditions in classrooms located adjacent to courtyards with those in buildings lacking such spatial features. A mixedmethod research strategy was adopted. Quantitative analysis was carried out through daylight simulations using Dialux Evo to measure and compare indoor illumination levels. Complementing this, a qualitative investigation was conducted through questionnaire surveys involving 150 primary school students from two selected schools in Dhaka. The survey assessed students’ experiences and satisfaction levels regarding daylight conditions in their classrooms. The outcomes of the study reveal a clear relationship between the presence of courtyards and improved daylight quality within classrooms. Simulation results demonstrated higher daylight availability in courtyard-oriented classrooms, which was further supported by students’ responses indicating greater visual comfort and learning satisfaction. In contrast, classrooms without courtyards were frequently associated with inadequate lighting and reduced indoor comfort. The study highlights the courtyard as a central spatial component that enhances environmental performance in school buildings. Integrating courtyards into primary school design can significantly reduce reliance on artificial lighting while promoting healthier and more supportive learning environments. These findings offer important insights for architects and planners and contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable and child-centered school design in Bangladesh and similar climatic contexts.