A Virtual Reality Window View Evaluation Tool for Shading Devices and Exterior Landscape Design

Abstract

AbstractThe window view is an important part of the daylighting design. The current window view analysis based on daylighting metrics does not respond well to user preferences. This study uses an office with a courtyard in Berkeley, CA, USA, as a case study to create a virtual reality-based window view evaluation tool and workflow to analyze the impact of different types of shading devices and different levels of exterior landscapes on user perception. This tool combines quantitative data based on daylighting metrics and users’ subjective and physical responses with qualitative analysis based on user feedback and preferences. A two-way ANOVA was conducted in the study to demonstrate that the independent and interactive impacts of shading devices and exterior landscapes on user perception and satisfaction. The results show that users prefer shading types that block less of window views even though they may cause a higher probability of glare. Besides, advanced landscapes tend to enhance user satisfaction with shading devices. This new window evaluation method will help architects make more comprehensive decisions in shading device type selection and exterior landscape design.