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The locations and size of apertures matter a great deal if you want to utilize natural light in your building. Evenly-distributed light is critical to good daylighting, so apertures that are evenly distributed are useful.
The simple act of opening a window can often provide immediate cooling effects. But how do the size and placement of that window impact the effect you feel? Window design and ventilation louver design greatly affects passive cooling potential, specifically natural ventilation.
Windows and other apertures bring in heat from sunshine, but can also lose heat by radiant cooling and by conducting heat better than most wall or roof constructions. Apertures and shading must be intelligently placed to take advantage of the sun's heat in cold locations and seasons, while not overheating in hot seasons.
Aperture placement and area are important because strategic use of windows and skylights can help you achieve thermal and visual comfort passively, saving both energy and money.