Analisis Pencahayaan Alami pada Ruang Perpustakaan Fakultas Teknik Universitas Palangka Raya

Abstract

Lighting quality within a library space plays an important role in creating visual comfort in educational buildings, particularly libraries that serve as reading and learning environments. This study focuses on evaluating the quality of natural lighting in the Library of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Palangka Raya based on illumination levels, light distribution, and users perceptions of the visual conditions of the space. A quantitative descriptive approach with a case study method was employed in this research. Field data were collected through direct observation, illumination measurements using a lux meter at nine observation points, visual documentation, and brief interviews with library users. The collected data were processed and evaluated against the recommended lighting standard for library reading spaces, which ranges from 300 to 500 lux. The results indicate that light distribution within the library is not evenly distributed. The highest illumination level recorded was 680 lux in the area near the windows during midday, while the lowest illumination level was 130 lux in the deepest part of the room during the afternoon. Areas located close to window openings generally met the recommended lighting standards, whereas the central and inner zones of the library fell below the standard at certain times of the day. Furthermore, the evaluation of the artificial lighting system revealed an illumination level of only 128 lux, which remains below the recommended requirement for reading spaces. Based on these findings, improvements to both natural and artificial lighting systems are necessary to enhance the visual quality of the space and support the comfort and productivity of library users.