Perception of Gallery Managements on Optimisation of Daylighting for Energy Efficiency in the Post Construction Architecture of Gallery Spaces

Abstract

Lighting in art galleries is fundamental to the building’s function and has a direct impact on the visual experience, preservation of art and most importantly the energy used. Despite the recent advancements in architecture, most galleries are yet to embrace the use of day lighting for its cost effectiveness and energy efficiency. This study therefore evaluated the perception of gallery managements in selected galleries on the optimization of day lighting with a view to proposing an art gallery in Eko-Atlantic, Lagos State. The study purposively selected 15 most visited galleries of the known 21 art galleries in Lagos state. The sample size was distributed across the three prevalent gallery typologies which are purpose-built, converted and space-in-facilities galleries which are leased spaces in other facilities. Total enumeration sampling technique was used to survey the responses of the members that constitute the management team in the art galleries 100 copies of questionnaire were administered based on staff strength of existing galleries to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics of respondents, sources and cost of power Designer’s observation was used to assess the characteristics of the galleries and a lux meter was used to measure illumination levels. Frequency counts and percentages were used to explain socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, cross tabulation was employed to analyze the gallery types with cost of power supply and Likert scale was used to evaluate staff perception on the use of day lighting. Power Usage Index (PUI) was developed to measure respondents’ perceived most important areas for power usage in the gallery space. Supply, staff members’ perception on optimisation of day lighting and use of artificial lighting. The study revealed that Majority (68.9%) of the galleries were converted spaces. All the gallery types relied on generators and electricity supply from the national grid for lighting, hence over (N100, 000) hundred thousand was spent monthly to power the galleries. The highest value of PUI (4.73) was established for lighting being the most important reason for power in the gallery. The study showed that majority (68.7%) of the respondents agreed the use of daylight was cost-effective and energy-efficient. However, only 14.3% of the galleries utilized the north-south orientation to maximize solar gain during the daytime. The study concluded that the strategic adoption of day lighting was considered a significant tool for energy and cost efficiency in the gallery space. The study recommended the need to adopt the north-south orientation to maximize solar gain

Keywords: Art gallery, Optimization, day lighting Energy efficiency, Visual experience

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-5-07

Publication date:May 31^st 2021