A human-centric approach to assess daylight in buildings for non-visual health potential, visual interest and gaze behavior

Publication date: 15 February 2017
Source:Building and Environment, Volume 113
Author(s): Maria L. Amundadottir, Siobhan Rockcastle, Mandana Sarey Khanie, Marilyne Andersen
This paper introduces a novel approach for the assessment of daylight performance in buildings, venturing beyond existing methods that evaluate 2-dimensional illumination and comfort within a fixed field-of-view, to predict human responses to light concerning non-visual effects, visual interest, and gaze behavior in a visually immersive scene. Using a 3D rendered indoor environment to exemplify this coordinated approach, the authors assess an architectural space across a range of view directions to predict non-visual health potential, perceptual visual interest, and gaze behavior at the eye level of an occupant. This method allows the authors to explore and demonstrate the impact of space, time, and sky condition on three novel daylight performance models developed to predict the effects of ocular light exposure using a human-centric approach. Results for each model will be presented in parallel and then compared to discuss the need for a multi-criteria assessment of daylight-driven human responses in architecture. A parallel and comparative approach can allow the designer to adapt the architectural space based on the program use and occupants needs.

Graphical abstract