Characterisation of view relative to solar-control systems

Abstract

Solar shading can be an effective way of avoiding overheating by reducing solar gains in buildings. However, solar shading systems can block or obscure the view-out with the consequence that occupants may refrain from using the shading system. As such, there is a need to quantify the effects of shading on occupants’ perception of the view.In this study, we developed a method to identify the photometric parameters and compositions that are effective in characterising the view-out in relation to different solar-control systems. We hypothesized that the photometric composition, e.g., contrast, in the visual environment as a result of using solar-control systems impacts the subjective assessment of the view. We conducted objective photometric measurements using calibrated luminance cameras and subjective responses from 64 participants in a semi-controlled work environment to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly allocated to a combination of five view-outs and six solar shading systems in a work environment where they answered questions related to the indoor environment and view quality. The relation between view and solar-control systems and their impact on the subjective view assessment was tested using linear mixed-effects models. The models were developed using forward and backward selection based on AIC and likelihood ratio tests (LRT) to test the effects of adding or removing variables. The achromatic contrast calculated based on the measured luminance data both locally and globally was significantly associated with view assessment and satisfaction when using different shading types.