Manifestation of Daylight in Educational Spaces: A Bibliometric Framework Toward Visual Comfort and Sustainable Architecture

Abstract

The increasing volume of research on daylight and visual comfort in educational spaces over the past two decades has necessitated a systematic and bibliometric analysis of this field. This study presents a bibliometric analysis aimed at investigating the knowledge structure, trends, and research directions in the area of daylight and visual comfort in educational environments. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database, and after applying screening criteria based on the PRISMA guidelines, 152 research and review articles published between 2000 and 2025 were selected and analyzed. Using VOSviewer software, the study analyzed the temporal distribution of publications, co-authorship patterns, keyword co-occurrence, and citation impact. The results indicate a significant growth in scientific production from 2017 onward, with the formation of thematic clusters around energy optimization, parametric design, dynamic daylight metrics, glare control, and the effects of daylight on visual perception and learning performance. Furthermore, a notable contribution from Asian countries, particularly China and Iran, is evident in both document production and citations. Finally, the findings provide a framework for guiding future research and supporting informed decisions in the sustainable design of educational spaces by identifying emerging trends and research gaps in the field.