Daylighting describes the controlled use of natural light in and around buildings. It is the practice of placing windows, or other transparent media and reflective surfaces so that natural light provides effective internal illumination during the day.

Daylight at the d-school building is composed of a mix which includes direct sunlight, diffuse skylight, and light reflected from the ground and surrounding elements. The daylighting design considered orientation and building site characteristics, facade and roof characteristics, size and placement of window openings, glazing and shading systems, and geometry and reflectance of interior surfaces. This has resulted in at least 60% of the regularly occupied area within the building to have adequate natural light available during daytime, thereby reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.