Application of High-Dynamic Range Imaging Techniques in Architecture: A Step toward High-Quality Daylit Interiors?

Coralie Cauwerts,María Piderit

doi:10.3390/jimaging4010019

Coralie Cauwerts, María Piderit

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging4010019

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Abstract

High dynamic range (HDR) imaging techniques are nowadays widely used in building research to capture luminances in the occupant field of view and investigate visual discomfort. This photographic technique also makes it possible to map sky luminances. Such images can be used for illuminating virtual scenes; the technique is called image-based lighting (IBL). This paper presents a work investigating IBL in a lighting quality research context for accelerating the development of appearance-driven performance indicators. Simulations were carried out using Radiance software. The ability of IBL to accurately predict indoor luminances is discussed by comparison with luminances from HDR photographs and luminances predicted by simulation in modeling the sky in several other more traditional ways. The present study confirms previous observations that IBL leads to similar luminance values than far less laborious simulations in which the sky is modeled based on outdoor illuminance measurements. IBL and these last methods minimize differences with HDR photographs in comparison to sky modeling not based on outdoor measurements.

Highlights

In the current context of energy crises and climate change, the work of the architect has become highly complex
To evaluate the accuracy of image-based lighting (IBL) for predicting luminance distribution, a numerical comparison was done between luminance values extracted from High dynamic range (HDR) photographs of real rooms and simulated was done between luminance values extracted from HDR photographs of real rooms and simulated luminances
We observed in this work that IBL, gendaylit, and gensky_br are three ways to describe the light

Summary

Introduction

In the current context of energy crises and climate change, the work of the architect has become highly complex. One of the current risks is to focus on building energy performance to the detriment of other important aspects participating in architectural quality. In the field of lighting, quality has been defined as conformance to occupants’ needs, to architecture requirements, and to economics and environment matters [1]. Lighting should obviously support occupant’s activities in providing sufficient light and in avoiding glaring situations causing visual discomfort. It must participate in the satisfaction of some non-visual needs (a.o. social interactions, performance, health, and safety matters) [2]

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