Daylighting
MIT's Daylighting course examines how natural and electric lighting can be combined in building design to balance occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and available daylight. Students study real spaces and computer simulations, learn to use high dynamic range photography to measure light distribution, and build physical models to test daylighting strategies. The course covers the physics of light and its interaction with architectural surfaces, along with methods for evaluating glare, contrast, and illumination levels in working environments. Course materials include lecture notes, assignments, and project guidelines from MIT OpenCourseWare, offered free of charge with no certificate. It suits students in architecture or engineering who want hands-on experience assessing how buildings use sunlight instead of relying solely on artificial lighting systems.