Toplighting (by skylight) admits more light per unit area
than sidelighting, but is vulnerable to summer sun penetration.
Skylights are often a part of a stack ventilation system.
Sidelighting (by window) is
highly sensitive to orientation.
East and west windows admit sun at low altitude, producing glare. North windows are often critical for passive solar heating.
All windows can be the basis of a cross ventilation system.
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