Innovative daylighting systems’ challenges: A critical study

• Innovative daylighting systems were developed to maximize the use of daylight.
• The challenges that face the IDS prevent their widespread use.
• The main challenges are the high initial cost and application limitations.
• No innovative daylighting systems are likely to overcome all the challenges.
• A number of systems that efficiently suit different circumstances are the more practical approaches.

The innovative daylighting systems (IDS) seek to meet the illumination requirements in buildings, where inadequate amount of daylight is provided by the conventional daylighting systems. Many IDS have been commercially launched, but challenges, such as high initial cost, utilization difficulties, and application limitations, prevent their widespread use. Most of these challenges can be overcome, but no IDS are likely to overcome all of them at once. Alternatively, a number of systems that efficiently suit different circumstances is a more practical approaches. This study reviews the IDS whether commercially released or not, and discusses the challenges associated with their utilization within buildings. Solutions and recommendations have been suggested. The study makes the capabilities and limitations of the different IDS clearer for both architects and users, and discusses the challenges and promises facing developers and lighting designers.