Abstract:
In the primary schools of Sylhet, artificial light is found the main contributor to the visual environment,
even though there is a large quantity of daylight and the entire study period is enclosed within daylight
hours. Studies show that, there are significant impacts of using daylight on human health and the visual
performance in terms of efficiency and productivity. This research primarily concentrates on visual
performance of the students, under daylight condition, at urban primary schools of Sylhet, where the skies
are generally overcast throughout the year, unlike other divisional cities of Bangladesh. The research also
aimed to investigate the relationship of the physical parameters of the classrooms spaces with daylight
condition. In Bangladesh, there are no studies incorporating human interaction with the visual
environment, in the divisional town of Sylhet. An intensive literature study provided the knowledge base
for this research. The problem was identified first, by a survey of existing primary schools, in Sylhet City
Corporation area, aimed at an understanding of their luminous environment. A detailed field survey was
initiated to determine the visual performance of the students which, was derived through a intensive
visual performance test. The field investigation also encompasses the physical parameters of the
classroom spaces, which can influence the overall distribution of daylight, and compared to international
standards. The findings of the study clearly show the interrelationship of daylight and students visual
performance. It is clearly demonstrated that, visual performance, measured by time taken to complete the
visual test and errors made during the test, are directly related to the amount of daylight available. The
possible measures and scopes for further investigation are followed from the discussion on the research
findings.
