This study analyzes classrooms, built according to a standard project of public schools in the Brazilian State of Parana, concerning their luminic qualities. The daylighting analysis was based on computational simulations with daylighting programs, for different combinations of days, schedules and building solar orientations. Results show daylighting levels for diverse positions of the building, allowing the designer to choose the best form of building siting, considering local aspects and the quality of the resultant indoor space. Finally, shading elements were designed for each orientation in order to improve daylighting levels and the building's thermal performance. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.