German developments in daylight guidance systems: An overview

An overview is provided of recent developments in different daylighting systems. The systems range from a simple adaptation of venetian blinds for a better use of daylighting, to specially developed daylight-guiding venetian blinds, mirror louvers, optical mirror elements, ADO-Toplight, holographic optical elements, prismatic systems, Micro-Grates, Plexiglas Daylight, transparent insulation material, moveable glass louvers, a three-layer pipe-grid system and the 'light sculptor' in the cupola of the German Parliament. Most of these technologies are available in the market. Others, e.g. the 'light sculptor', were designed for a unique application.