ABSTRACT
Daylighting is a copious natural source of light from the Sun. It propagates through the walls or roof apertures into the building for visual task in architectural space. In tropical regions such as Nigeria where there is abundance in sunlight with massive untapped potential, several strategies to admit daylight are set in place which in-turn blocks the daylight penetration. Consequently, it affects the minimum standard daylight requirement for visual comfort in the conventional reading areas of the library which are usually deeply planned. Therefore, the research examines light-pipe device configuration for optimum daylighting and illuminance in the design of conventional reading areas of academic library, in tropical wet-dry climatic zone of Nigeria. The study uses case study and quasi experimental approach to test for daylight performance of light pipe. Moreover, literature review helps establishing the standard minimum amount of daylight requirement together with the base model area in conventional reading area of academic library, while local case study reveals the headroom for the base model. The test for efficiency of light pipes in a base model box (3m x 3m x 3.3m) was modelled and exported from Revitto Ecotect Radiance Daysim and the illumination received in the box was tested. The simulation test for effect of both diameter and length of light pipe, shows that light pipe with aspect ratio of 1/2 give optimum performance for daylight requirement in conventional reading area within wet and dry tropical climate of Nigeria. Daylight Autonomy of 78%was achieved; 18% addition compare to 60% minimum standard Daylight Autonomy established from literatures and Useful daylight illuminance of 98%. This indicates that if attention is paid to aspect ratio as parameters during the design of a Library conventional reading area, it would go a long way in ensuring that visual comfort for the users. It recommended that the aspect ratio 1/2 should adhered to as it aids in visual comfort and reducing energy consumption.