Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

The credit intent is to provide the building occupants with a connection between indoor spaces and outdoors through the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas of the building. Compliance requires 90% view area. The total for this project is 86.7% for the spaces that are applicable to the credit. However we believe that we are meeting the credit intent when you take into consideration the stringent design requirements of this project - a school for the deaf. In designing for deaf students it is critically important to control the source of light. A person signing - teacher or student - cannot be backlit by a light source. Backlighting makes it very difficult for signers to understand each other as the eye is not capable of overcoming the variations in light intensity while trying to read the subtlety of handshapes and expression made by the person signing. In response to this design constraint the architect has minimized the backlit area by placing the view windows in alcoves at the perimeters of each classroom. Good daylighting and even light distribution are achieved with clerestory windows, light monitors and light shelves. We are happy to provide drawings and elevations to illustrate the design constraints, intent and solution achieved. We believe we have maximized the view area to the greatest extent possible within the design restraints and meet the credit requirements. Please advise.