Study of Luminous Comfort and Conservation of the Collection in University Library

Abstract

The importance of the environmental comfort perceived by the user has been the object of a recurrent study and shown as guiding projects for the most diverse uses, especially in school buildings. Within this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the visual comfort of the Unimep library, at Santa Bárbara d'Oeste campus, comparing data obtained through illuminance measurements with the result of questionnaires applied to users. The physical characterization of space was the first step, including the survey of dimensions of the building, the openings and the solar protections as well as arrangement of furniture, luminaires and lamps. Later, illuminance measurements were performed both in winter and summer while users answered a questionnaire. It can be concluded that the current natural and artificial lighting system does not meet NBR 8995-1/2013; however, the users' perception is of a "clear" environment with no glare points. This does not dispense an improvement in lighting design, through table lamps and light shelves. Regarding the conservation of the books, it is noticed direct incidence of light rays of the lamps in the material. In this way, it is recommended to attach shelves on the top of bookshelves.