A novel way of utilising Radiance-Matlab visualisation for façade design optimisation

Abstract

This paper presents a parametric study for optimising faç ade design of a private office space. High dynamic range images are processed to document design conditions measured against established standards of visual comfort and needed light levels for circadian rhythm entrainment. Assessed lighting indices include luminance ratios, daylight glare index, vertical illuminance and its duration of exposure at eye level. An investigation is conducted based on the effect of a multitude of variables including faç ade orientation, seasonal variation, sky conditions, task type, glazing height and visible transmittance values. Results indicate that among the three head-heights tested, namely 1.2 m, 1.8 m and 2.4 m, the latter performed best in terms of discomfort glare and light exposure for an observer looking through the faç ade or at a computer screen. A visible transmittance of 50% is also recommended for year round conditions. Nevertheless, lower values may be required to prevent glare, especially on the south and west faç ades or for higher window-wall ratios.

The Role of Daylighting in Skilled Nursing Short-Term Rehabilitation Facilities

“…Also, the findings of this study bolster previous findings that daylight impacts resident stress (Boubekri & Wang, 2012, Dijkstra et al, 2008Rashid & Zimring, 2008;Ulrich et al, 2008;Walch et al, 2005), mood (Benke & Benke, 2013;Boubekri et al, 2014;Chaudhury et al, 2009), satisfaction (Dianat et al, 2013;Hawes et al, 2012;Hua et al, 2011;Kim & Kim, 2010;Knez, 2001;Knez & Kers, 2000), and performance (Araji & Boubekri, 2011;Kim & Kim, 2010;Košir et al, 2011).…”

“…Prior studies have indicated a close relationship between human behavior and daylighting. Lighting affects human behavior both visually (Dianat, Sedghi, Bagherzade, Jafarabadi, & Stedmon, 2013; Kihara, Tsurumaki, & Ribeiro-do-Valle, 2006; Košir, Krainer, Dovjak, & Kristl, 2011) and nonvisually (Andersen, Gochenour, & Lockley, 2013; Araji & Boubekri, 2011; Barroso & den Brinker, 2013; Boubekri & Wang, 2012; Osterhaus, 2005). With respect to nonvisual impacts of daylighting, whenever the human eye catches daylight, brain visual receptors and areas related to hormonal regulation are stimulated (Brainard et al, 1988; Benke & Benke, 2013; Boubekri, & Wang, 2012; Kuller & Lindsten, 1992; Samuels, 1990).…”

“…Daylighting has a positive influence on health, well-being, alertness, performance, and sleep quality (Alzoubi, Al-Rqaibat, & Bataineh, 2010; Araji & Boubekri, 2011; Benke & Benke, 2013; Hawes, Brunyé, Mahoney, Sullivan, & Aall, 2012; Joseph, 2006; Kamali & Abbas, 2012; Ulrich et al, 2008). Daylighting may reduce perceived pain and requests for analgesics as well as the length of hospital stays (Shepley, Gerbi, Watson, & Imgrund, 2009; Shepley, Gerbi, Watson, Imgrund, & Sagah-Zadeh, 2011).…”

“…Other behaviors that may be impacted by lighting are length of stay, perceived pain, perception and alertness, cognitive performance, and productivity. Resident outcomes is another behavioral parameter impacted by lighting (Araji & Boubekri, 2011; Kim & Kim, 2010; Košir et al, 2011). Additionally, researchers found that patients in sunny rooms were highly impacted in terms of reduced length of stay in cardiac intensive care unit (Beauchemin & Hays, 1996).…”

“…Other studies found that lighting elements, such as color temperature and type of lighting, are correlated with perception and alertness (Boubekri and Wang, 2012; Knez 2001; Knez & Kers, 2000; Hawes et al, 2012). Neurobehavioral studies highlight that daylighting exposure enhances cognition performance and occupant productivity (Araji & Boubekri, 2011; Chellappa et al, 2011; Wei et al, 2014). Importantly, Wang and Boubekri (2011) emphasized that controllability of daylighting resources is one of the main environmental features that influence occupant satisfaction.…”