Impact of Courtyard on the Classroom Luminous Environment in the Primary Schools in Dhaka

In Dhaka, the design of many primary school buildings places considerable emphasis on classroom layout and functional use, yet often overlooks the importance of courtyards in providing adequate natural daylight. Only a limited number of schools acknowledge the role of courtyards in enhancing daylight penetration and ensuring balanced light distribution within classrooms. Proper daylight conditions are essential for children’s visual comfort, health, and overall well-being, as students spend a significant portion of their day indoors. Therefore, creating a learning environment with sufficient and comfortable daylight is crucial for both physical and psychological development. The aim of this research is to identify the necessity of courtyards in primary schools and to evaluate their benefits in improving classroom daylight conditions. The primary objective is to examine the impact of courtyards on daylight availability within classrooms. A quantitative approach was adopted using Dialux Evo software to simulate daylight levels and assess indoor lighting performance. Additionally, a qualitative method was applied through a questionnaire survey conducted among 96 students from two selected primary schools. The survey compared students’ perceptions of daylight conditions in classrooms with and without courtyards. The findings reveal that courtyards act as the “heart†of school buildings by significantly improving daylight access and visual comfort. Schools with courtyards showed higher student Satisfaction, while classrooms without courtyards were often perceived as dim and uncomfortable. Incorporating courtyards in school design can reduce reliance on artificial lighting and promote healthier, child-friendly learning environments.