Chromatic and luminous characterization of glazing planes: Critical analysis of international standards

In modern architecture glazed units have become a component whose diversified and complex functions shall often satisfy conflicting needs. The glazed element must be capable to modulate and control the radiant and luminous flux incoming into a room improving the quality of vision and living suitability. The task of this study is to highlight the limits of standards in evaluating glazing units, pointing the attention on the luminous and colorimetric parameters and their influence on people satisfaction and comfort. This study analyses satisfaction and comfort levels versus the values of some "standard" and suggested photometric and colorimetric parameters characterising glazing units. This research has been divided into two parts: a laboratory characterisation of a selected group of glazing units, and a subjective test investigation carried out in a scale model of an open-space office.