How does Curtain Wall System design affect natural daylighting and occupant comfort levels?

Curtain wall design directly shapes interior daylighting quality and occupant comfort. Glazing choices—visible light transmittance (VLT), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and spectral selectivity—affect how daylight enters spaces while controlling solar heat loading and glare. In hot Gulf climates, lower SHGC and higher VLT selective coatings allow daylight without excessive cooling loads; in temperate Central Asian locations, balancing daylight penetration and thermal control may favor higher-performance insulating glazing with optimized VLT. Integrating external shading devices, frit patterns, or louvers reduces direct solar glare and peak cooling loads while preserving daylight. Daylight autonomy and glare analysis using climate-based daylight modelling helps determine the appropriate glass specification and shading geometry early in design. Operable façade elements—venting for natural ventilation where climate-appropriate—improve occupant comfort and indoor air quality, but must be detailed for safety and weather protection. Acoustic comfort is managed by laminated IGUs and cavity depth choices to limit urban noise intrusion from busy streets in Kuwait City, Dubai, or Almaty. Interior daylight distribution also depends on floorplate geometry and interior finishes; façade designers should coordinate with lighting and interior architects to ensure balanced illumination and reduced reliance on artificial lighting. Properly designed curtain walls yield enhanced occupant wellbeing, reduced energy use, and better productivity—delivered through an integrated approach combining glazing performance, shading, and daylight modelling that accounts for local climate conditions.