NATURAL LIGHTING AND NATURAL VENTILATION ON THERMAL COMFORT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN COLONIAL HERITAGE BUILDINGS.

Abstract

Natural lighting and natural ventilation are very important in the architecture of cultural heritage buildings, especially concerning thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This study aims to explore the impact of these two elements on the design of cultural heritage buildings in tropical climates. The method used is a systematic literature review, highlighting the latest relevant scientific articles. The results of the study show that the optimal use of natural lighting and ventilation can improve occupant comfort. A reduction in indoor temperature of up to 5°C can also decrease the energy requirements for cooling and lighting. In addition, passive design strategies that consider building orientation and the use of local materials have proven effective in managing heat and humidity loads. These conclusions are expected to serve as a reference for practitioners and managers of heritage buildings. By applying sustainable design principles, they can maintain the historical integrity of buildings while achieving better energy performance.