Staying up to date with evolving standards and best practice is a key part of delivering high-quality design, and we were delighted to have several members of our team recently attend an RIAI CPD on Daylight, Sunlight and Environmental Performance in Practice. James, Adrian, Emma, Eoin and Melissa all took part in this focused session, gaining valuable insight into how daylight considerations are shaping both planning decisions and building performance outcomes.
The CPD explored the growing importance of daylight and sunlight analysis in architectural practice, particularly in the context of increasing density and sustainability requirements. A key area of focus was the application of EN 17037, which provides a framework for assessing daylight provision in buildings. Understanding how to apply these standards in real-world scenarios is essential, particularly when balancing design ambition with planning compliance and environmental performance.
The session also examined the legal and planning dimensions of daylight and sunlight, highlighting how these factors are becoming increasingly central to planning applications across both residential and commercial projects. Beyond compliance, there was a strong emphasis on how good daylight design contributes to occupant wellbeing, comfort and overall building performance—an area that continues to gain importance in modern architectural design.
Insights into microclimate analysis and sustainability certification further reinforced the interconnected nature of daylight design. The discussions demonstrated how early-stage design decisions can have long-term impacts on energy use, environmental comfort and post-occupancy performance, underlining the value of integrating these considerations from the outset.
We also benefited from expert presentations by Brian T O’Brien of Solearth Architecture and John Gleeson of BPC Engineers, who shared practical case studies and real-world experience from Irish projects. Their expertise provided a clear understanding of how daylight and sunlight analysis is applied in practice, from initial design stages through to completed developments.
Attending CPDs like this ensures our team remains informed and responsive to the latest standards, allowing us to continue delivering thoughtful, high-performing designs for our clients. As daylight and environmental performance continue to play a central role in planning and design, this knowledge will directly inform our approach across a wide range of projects.
