In a paper presented at Salford University in April 2005, Peter Defoe explored the background to the current method of calculation of daylight for rights to light purposes.  

His paper set out the research methodologies which he proposed to use for his professional doctorate. 

The aim of his research was to examine the validity of the current methods and try to identify a new method which more accurately identifies the actual amount of light which is needed for ordinary use available and the amount available through any window opening.

Many of the reference documents which first established the methodology used by P.J. and J.M. Waldram in the early 20th Century are based on research which is relatively poorly documented. 

The results are presented in several respected publications without critical examination of the data used to reach the conclusions made and which now form the basis of all assessments of sufficiency of daylight in rights to light cases.

The paper was written by Peter Defoe in the first six months of his doctoral studies.

The thesis is due to be presented in September 2007 following several months of physical testing an actual room in a demonstration house at the BRE in Garston.

This will be followed by both theoretical and practical modelling and testing in an artificial sky dome to provide comparative readings using many of the existing available methodologies for measurement of daylight.

For more information please download file.