visual comfort

Visual comfort is important to the wellbeing of people and their productivity. However, too much light in the field of view can cause discomfort and disability glare. Under certain conditions it can even cause accidents. This paper addresses the disability glare created by veiling glare and the effect it may have of reducing the visual performance in outdoor spaces. Veiling glare is a particular case when light is reflected off a surface and causes annoyance or impairment of a task to the person in a particular view angle.

The study investigates the use of local trees in the UAE to improve visual performance and lighting quality in typical classrooms. The methodology depended on analysis of luminance ratios and illuminance levels using simulation (Radiance.) The effect of two design variables (i.e., tree type: Ghaf and Neem, and tree spacing: 2m and 4m parallel to outside north wall, on task’s illuminance levels and interior-surfaces’ luminance levels were investigated. Lighting quality and visual comfort issues such as acute contrast, high brightness, and daylight distribution were discussed.

Fixed shading systems are saving energy by reducing the cooling loads of the space they shade, but can be a source of energy losses due to the increased need of daylight that they create. Aim of this paper is the comparative assessment of different typologies of buildings' shading systems with integrated photovoltaics. The assessment is focused on their energy efficiency and degree of internal visual comfort conditions that they can ensure. The purpose of the comparison is to optimize the combination of shading systems and their integrated solar cells.

Preliminary experiments with a novel glazing system developed at the Desert Architecture and Urban Planning Unit of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev indicated that it may provide improved visual and thermal performance in buildings with large glazed areas located in sunny regions (hot and cold). In winter, it allows solar space heating but reduces glare, local over-heating and damage to furnishings caused by exposure to direct solar radiation.