ABSTRACT
Art centres and museums are spaces that house art works and artifact either temporary or permanently. These spaces try to avoid daylight because it has a deteriorating effect on art works and artifacts. Most art centres and museums tend to avoid day light by covering-up spaces and thereby lighting up the rooms through mechanical means. The purpose of this research is to identify different daylighting techniques that will not affect the exhibition but at the same time, create a good visual experience. Literatures on daylighting were studied, in which the advantages of daylighting in buildings were highlighted, different daylighting techniques and system were examined and the effects of daylight to art works and artifacts were also studied. Case studies of relevant museums and art centre buildings were analyzed using appropriate variables. An important finding of the research was that an integrated approach which makes daylighting a primary design consideration is essential for a successful daylighting design process. This finding affects the design process from site location criteria, site zoning, and building form, choice of materials and most importantly types of daylighting elements to be used. For the research design, atrium, laminated glass, light shelves and light tubes was appropriate for use. The implication of this finding opens a new dimension to the design of art centres and museums.