Sustainable city

Sustainable city

Investigating and Enhancing the Environmental Quality of Mid-Rise Residential Buildings with an Emphasis on Utilizing Natural Light

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Abdorrahman Samadi Tahergorabi 1
Ardalan Aflaki 1
Sajjad Rezaei 2
1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22034/jsc.2026.541770.1871
Abstract
A B S T R A C T
Designing high-density residential developments in temperate and humid climates, such as Rasht, poses significant challenges in ensuring sufficient access to natural daylight. Inadequate exposure to natural light adversely affects residents’ mental well-being and overall comfort, potentially leading to reduced concentration, elevated stress levels, and impaired visual comfort. Such conditions cannot be fully mitigated through artificial lighting alone and therefore require careful consideration within architectural design processes. This study examines the influence of natural daylight utilization on residents’ quality of life in high-density residential settings and proposes architectural strategies to enhance health and comfort outcomes. In addition, the research explores the relationship between residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight and perceived improvements in quality of life. Adopting a descriptive–analytical research design and a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through a systematic literature review and structured questionnaires. The study population comprised residents of Phases 1 and 2 of the Abrisham residential development in Rasht. Using random sampling techniques, 96 valid questionnaires were completed and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The findings indicate a strong positive correlation (R = 0.71) between satisfaction with natural daylight and overall quality of life. Access to natural daylight supports the regulation of circadian rhythms, reduces stress, and promotes mental well-being, thereby enhancing cognitive performance and residential comfort. Architectural design interventions, such as optimized window-to-wall ratios and adjustable shading devices, can enhance daylight penetration under Rasht’s predominantly cloudy climatic conditions. The study proposes a daylight-oriented architectural framework that harnesses natural light to enhance environmental sustainability and quality of life in high-density residential developments, offering a conceptual foundation for the formulation of practical, context-responsive design strategies.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Designing mid-rise residential developments in temperate and humid climates, such as Rasht, presents persistent and multifaceted challenges, particularly in achieving adequate access to natural daylight. Daylight is not merely an architectural aesthetic factor; it is a fundamental determinant of human health, well-being, and cognitive functioning. Inadequate daylight penetration in residential buildings can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including visual discomfort, impaired concentration, mood disturbances, and disruptions to circadian rhythms. These deficiencies are particularly significant in urban environments where dense construction patterns often reduce access to unobstructed daylight. While artificial lighting can partially compensate for lack of daylight, it cannot replicate the full spectrum of natural light, its subtle changes throughout the day, or its biological and psychological benefits. In recent decades, Rasht has experienced rapid urban growth and densification, driven by rising population pressures and increasing demand for housing. Mid-rise residential developments, typically four to six stories in height, have emerged as a predominant housing typology due to their relative efficiency in land use, adaptability to the urban fabric, and lower shadowing impacts compared to high-rise towers. Despite these advantages, the rapid expansion of such developments has frequently overlooked critical environmental considerations, such as daylighting, natural ventilation, and appropriate block spacing. The consequences of these oversights are tangible: residents often experience environmental discomfort, reduced visual and thermal comfort, and a range of symptoms commonly associated with sick building syndrome, including fatigue, headaches, and diminished concentration. Rasht’s climatic context intensifies these challenges. The city is characterized by predominantly cloudy skies, high humidity, and frequent precipitation, all of which limit the penetration of daylight into residential units. Under these conditions, daylight availability becomes a crucial design parameter, requiring careful attention to architectural detailing and spatial configuration. The role of daylight extends beyond visual comfort; it is a key regulator of human circadian rhythms, influencing sleep quality, hormonal balance, mood, and stress levels. Empirical research demonstrates that adequate exposure to daylight contributes to enhanced cognitive performance, greater social interaction, and overall improvements in mental and physical health. Moreover, daylight-oriented design supports sustainable architectural practices by reducing dependence on artificial lighting, lowering energy consumption, and minimizing associated carbon emissions. Previous studies have highlighted the multidimensional benefits of natural daylight. For instance, research has linked regular exposure to daylight with reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, improved sleep patterns, and higher levels of productivity and creativity. In densely populated urban environments, access to daylight also fosters social cohesion by encouraging residents to spend time in common spaces and interact with neighbors. Despite these well-documented advantages, many mid-rise developments in Rasht have prioritized maximizing floor area and density over environmental quality, resulting in compromised daylight access and reduced livability.The present study addresses these gaps by investigating the relationship between residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight and their perceived quality of life in high-density residential settings. Furthermore, the study seeks to develop climate-responsive architectural strategies tailored to Rasht’s specific environmental conditions. By integrating evidence from environmental psychology, sustainable design, and architectural practice, this research emphasizes the necessity of daylight-oriented design as a central component of healthy, sustainable, and livable mid-rise residential developments. It also seeks to contribute to the global discourse on sustainable housing by providing locally grounded solutions that respond to the specific climatic challenges of Rasht, while remaining applicable to other humid-temperate urban contexts around the world.

Methodology
This research employed a descriptive–analytical approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues under investigation. The study was conducted in two sequential stages. The first stage involved a thorough literature review to establish the theoretical and empirical foundations of the study. The review covered previous research on daylighting in residential buildings, environmental psychology, sustainable housing, and the relationship between natural light and quality of life. This phase allowed for the identification of key variables, design strategies, and analytical frameworks relevant to the Rasht context. Particular attention was given to studies conducted in similar climatic zones, enabling a more precise understanding of how humidity, cloud cover, and urban density affect daylight penetration. In the second stage, a field survey was conducted within the Abrisham residential development, comprising Phases 1 and 2, which represent typical mid-rise housing in Rasht. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight, perceived health, comfort, and overall quality of life. The questionnaire included multiple dimensions: visual comfort, psychological well-being, stress reduction, social interaction, and general satisfaction with housing. Questions were designed to capture both subjective perceptions and observable behavioral patterns, such as time spent in daylight-exposed spaces and frequency of engagement with communal areas. Additionally, residents were asked to describe specific design features they felt contributed to or hindered daylight access, providing qualitative insight into practical interventions. Random sampling was employed to ensure a representative selection of respondents, yielding 96 valid responses from residents across various floors, apartment orientations, and household types. The sample included diverse demographic groups in terms of age, gender, occupation, and length of residence, which allowed for nuanced analysis of how daylight affects different population segments. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength and nature of relationships between daylight satisfaction and indicators of quality of life. Specific attention was given to the correlation between daylight exposure and psychological well-being, including stress levels, mood, cognitive performance, and social interaction. Qualitative data from open-ended questionnaire responses were analyzed thematically to capture residents’ subjective experiences and perceptions of daylight as a determinant of residential comfort and livability.

Results and Discussion
The findings reveal a strong positive correlation (R = 0.71) between residents’ satisfaction with natural daylight and overall quality of life. Residents who reported higher satisfaction with daylight exposure also demonstrated enhanced psychological well-being, including lower levels of stress, improved mood, and greater cognitive performance. Notably, residents with access to well-lit spaces reported better sleep quality, fewer symptoms of fatigue and headaches, and a greater sense of safety and comfort within their apartments. Social interactions were also positively influenced: participants indicated that increased daylight exposure encouraged use of communal spaces, fostering social cohesion and neighborly engagement. These results highlight that daylight not only affects physical and mental health but also plays a significant role in shaping social dynamics within residential environments.
The study identified several architectural strategies as particularly effective in maximizing daylight penetration under Rasht’s predominantly cloudy conditions. These include:
· Optimized window-to-wall ratios: Appropriately sized and strategically positioned windows allow maximum daylight entry without compromising thermal comfort or privacy. The study suggests a careful balance between large glazed areas and shading to avoid glare and overheating.
· Adjustable shading devices: The use of louvers, blinds, and external shading devices allows residents to control glare and direct sunlight while maintaining daylight access. This flexibility was particularly valued by residents for adapting indoor lighting conditions to daily and seasonal changes.
· Reflective surfaces and light shelves: Interior and exterior reflective surfaces enhance the distribution of daylight, allowing deeper penetration into residential units. Light-colored finishes and reflective flooring surfaces were cited by residents as improving visual comfort and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
· Atriums and skylights: Central atriums, light wells, and skylights provide daylight to internal areas that would otherwise remain dim. These features also contribute to natural ventilation, creating a dual benefit of improved daylighting and indoor air quality.
· Articulated façades and building orientation: Façade articulation, including setbacks and varied elevations, allows better light penetration and reduces shadowing effects between units. Orientation of buildings along east-west or north-south axes was highlighted as a critical factor in maximizing daylight exposure while controlling heat gain.
· Block spacing and urban layout: Adequate spacing between mid-rise blocks ensures that daylight reaches lower floors and reduces the shading impact of neighboring structures. Residents emphasized the importance of open spaces and courtyards for both visual and social benefits. Strategic planning of communal green spaces further enhanced the perceived quality of residential life.
The results highlight the critical role of daylight as a determinant of both individual well-being and broader residential livability. The strong correlation between satisfaction with daylight and quality-of-life indicators confirms the importance of integrating daylight considerations into architectural and urban planning processes, particularly in temperate and humid climates such as Rasht. The findings emphasize that mid-rise residential developments can achieve a balance between density and environmental quality through informed design interventions.
From a sustainability perspective, daylight-oriented strategies contribute to energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Given that lighting accounts for a significant portion of residential energy consumption, improving natural daylight penetration has a measurable impact on greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental sustainability. Furthermore, such strategies support broader urban livability objectives, enhancing social interaction, visual comfort, and mental health. The findings suggest that urban planners and policymakers should consider daylight access as a key metric in evaluating the quality and sustainability of residential developments.
Comparative analysis with international studies reveals that the challenges faced in Rasht are consistent with those observed in other humid climatic regions. Similar interventions, including the use of atriums, reflective surfaces, and optimized window configurations, have been successfully implemented in cities with comparable environmental conditions. This confirms the broader applicability of the proposed strategies and reinforces the need for context-specific design solutions that address both climatic and cultural factors. In addition, the study provides evidence that design solutions must be integrated at both the building and urban scale to ensure maximum effectiveness, highlighting the interplay between micro-scale architectural detailing and macro-scale urban planning. The study also underscores the complex trade-offs inherent in daylight-oriented design. While maximizing daylight is essential, it must be carefully balanced against thermal comfort, privacy, and potential glare. Adjustable shading devices, façade articulation, and selective glazing are critical in achieving this balance. Urban designers and architects must also consider building orientation and block spacing, ensuring that the benefits of daylight extend to all floors and units without compromising other aspects of environmental performance. Integrating community feedback into the design process further ensures that interventions are aligned with residents lived experiences and daily routines.
In addition, the psychological dimension of daylight exposure merits further attention. Residents consistently reported that well-lit spaces fostered feelings of safety, enhanced social engagement, and contributed to overall satisfaction with housing. This emphasizes that daylight is not merely a physical or energy-related factor; it is a key component of social and psychological well-being in residential environments. These insights highlight the value of participatory design approaches in which residents’ perceptions inform the development of sustainable, human-centered architectural solutions.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that access to natural daylight is a fundamental determinant of environmental quality and residents’ quality of life in mid-rise residential developments. The identified strong correlation between daylight satisfaction and quality-of-life indicators underscores the necessity of prioritizing daylight-oriented strategies in both architectural and urban planning processes, particularly in temperate and humid climates such as Rasht. The proposed daylight-oriented architectural framework includes the following key considerations:
· Optimization of window-to-wall ratios to ensure maximum daylight penetration while controlling heat gain and glare. This strategy could help to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission in built environment.
· Incorporation of adjustable shading devices to allow residents to regulate light and privacy according to personal preferences and seasonal changes.
· Use of reflective surfaces, light shelves, and atrium spaces to enhance daylight distribution within deeper building zones.
· Careful consideration of building orientation and block spacing to prevent mutual shading, maximize exposure, and support ventilation.
· Façade articulation and skylights to create dynamic light conditions, improve indoor environmental quality, and promote social engagement in shared spaces.
· Integration of community spaces and landscape elements to complement daylight-oriented designs and enhance overall quality of life.
Implementing these strategies can create healthier, more sustainable, and more livable residential environments. Beyond their immediate architectural implications, these findings highlight the broader role of natural daylight in promoting urban livability, reducing environmental stressors, and supporting wider sustainable development objectives. By integrating daylight as a central component of design, mid-rise residential developments in Rasht and similar climatic contexts can achieve a balance between density, environmental quality, and human well-being.

Funding
There is no funding support.

Authors’ Contribution
First author: Literature review, Data collection and investigation, Second autor: Literature review, data analysis and writing, Thrid Author: statistical test and data analysis

Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all respondents who are living in Abrisham Residential building complex in city of Rasht, Iran.

Highlights

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Keywords
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture
High-Density Residential Complex
Natural Light
Quality of Life
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  2. Acosta, I., Campano, M. Á., Domínguez-Amarillo, S., & Muñoz, C. (2018). Dynamic daylight metrics for electricity savings in offices: Window size and climate smart lighting management. Energies, 11(11), 3143. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11113143
  3. Arditi, C., Zanchi, A., & Peytremann-Bridevaux, I. (2019). Health status and quality of life in patients with diabetes in Switzerland. Primary Care Diabetes, 13(3), 233–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2018.11.016
  4. Arghiani, M. (2021). Assessing residents’ satisfaction with Mehr Housing Complexes: Case study — Do Gonbadan Mehr Housing. In Proceedings of the 6th National Conference on Architecture and Sustainable City, Tehran. [In Persian].
  5. Atamewan, E. E. (2022). Appraisal of daylighting in sustainable housing development in developing countries. Journal of Studies in Science and Engineering, 2(2), 59–75. https://doi.org/10.53898/josse2022224
  6. Azadeh, S. R., & Ebizadeh, S. (2022). Executive priorities in promoting the quality of new urban housing: Case study — Rasht City. Geography and Development Iranian Journal, 20(67), 210–230. https://doi.org/10.22111/j10.22111.2022.6918 [In Persian].
  7. Azizibabani, M., Bemanian, M., & Yeganeh, M. (2021). Investigation of the effects of applying social sustainability components on residential satisfaction. Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering, 29(2), 49–61. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.29.2.29217
  8. Bhai, M. A., Abdelkader, M., Neseem, A., & Mustafa, A. (2022). Impact of the geometric form of the building envelopes on the efficiency of natural lighting in the office space. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1048(1), 012024. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1048/1/012024
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Sustainable city
Volume 9, Issue 1
Spring 2026
Pages 121-136