Article is devoted to determination of efficiency of the vertical specularly reflecting cylindrical light shaft for various types of the firmaments standardized by CIE (International Commission on Illumination). Efficiency of the light shaft was calculated as the relation of the output luminous flux (exiting through the lower base of the shaft) to the entering luminous flux (entering through the upper base of the shaft). The output luminous flux consists of the luminous flux created by direct light (gets on base of the shaft directly from the sky) and the luminous flux created by light which is repeatedly reflected from its inner side surface. For the 4th and 15th types of firmaments surfaces of dependence of the total efficiency (formed by the direct and reflected light) of the light shaft from solar time and the index of the shaft and also – graphs of dependence of total efficiency of the light shaft on the index of the shaft are given. For the 4th types of firmament the maximum values correspond to solar noon (from 29.3% to 96.3%), and the minimum values are at sunrise and sunset (from 28.7% to 95.3%). For the 15th types of firmament the maximum values correspond to solar noon (from 15.5% to 95.8%), and the minimum values are at sunrise and sunset (from 13% to 91.5%). The results showed that the solar time has almost no effect on the efficiency of the light shaft, which allows us to average the results in a certain way. As the light shaft index increases, that is, as the ratio of the radius to the shaft height increases, the efficiency value asymptotically approaches one hundred percent, which is physically correct. Knowing the radius, height, index of the shaft and the specular reflection coefficient of its inner surface, it is possible to predict natural lighting under the shaft and use energy resources more rationally.

This study emphasizes the importance of daylight performance in interior spaces as a critical factor in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals, including energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and healthy living conditions. It introduces a novel façade system inspired by tessellation-based origami principles, designed to mitigate exposure, glare and optimize daylight utilization, directly contributing to user comfort and well-being. The research employs a movable folding façade system with modular adaptability through different tessellation patterns. Performance analyses were conducted to evaluate the system's effectiveness in reducing exposure (Annual Sunlight Exposure), glare (Glare Autonomy) and improving daylight performance (Spatial Daylight Autonomy). The system’s compliance with LEED v4.1 criteria was also assessed to ensure alignment with sustainable building standards. The proposed façade system effectively reduced overexposure levels to 2.42%, enhanced sDA to 87.87% and also improved glare values by up to 50.26%. These results highlight the system’s potential to improve daylighting performance while addressing user comfort. This research presents an innovative façade system that integrates tessellation-based origami principles to optimize daylight performance. It contributes to sustainable architectural practices by demonstrating the transformative potential of movable and adaptive façade designs in achieving sustainable development goals, addressing both environmental and user comfort.

This study introduces a comprehensive computational framework integrating image-based simulations, spatial frequency analysis, and multi-objective optimization to evaluate and optimize passive solar shading devices from an occupant-centric perspective. While traditional façade optimization primarily addresses daylight performance and glare control, critical gaps remain in objectively and simultaneously quantifying visual comfort and preference, as well as external view content and quality—both essential to user satisfaction and psychological well-being. To bridge these gaps, spatial frequency metrics, historically utilized in image classification and visual assessments, are proposed as quantitative indicators for evaluating shading devices. The methodology employs first-person interior views analyzed through advanced computational techniques—daylight glare probability, image segmentation and power spectrum analysis—to objectively assess visual comfort, view content and spatial frequency composition. The proposed framework employs an adaptive optimization algorithm that iteratively generates and refines shading device configurations, effectively balancing glare reduction, external visibility, and visual complexity. Two experimental studies validate the approach: the first systematically evaluates multiple predefined shading patterns to identify optimal characteristics, while the second demonstrates that algorithmic optimization of highly irregular shading configurations can simultaneously improve multiple visual comfort metrics, significantly outperforming regular shading patterns in terms of glare reduction, view preservation, and spatial frequency performance.

In this study, to control glare in buildings with glass facades, a kinetic facade was designed using a pattern inspired by nature. Accordingly, in this study, due to the essential similarity of buildings with plants regarding the inability to move and location, in the first step, plants and their morphology were examined. Among them, long-day plants, which offer greater shading capacity than other plants, were selected as the basis for modeling. In the next stage, computational simulations were conducted using Rhino and Grasshopper software along with Ladybug and Honeybee plugins to analyze sunlight and daylight performance. The simulation results of annual climate-based daylight metrics and luminance-based metrics demonstrated that the kinetic facade inspired by long-day plants outperformed the Reinhart reference office room with horizontal shading in terms of glare control and useful daylight. In other words, the kinetic facade designed in this study effectively provides sufficient daylight and prevents glare as well.

The re-functioning of historical buildings frequently necessitates new additions. This is particularly relevant for historical buildings with open courtyards, where interventions often involve the installation of upper covers using contemporary materials and techniques This issue can become especially apparent in historical buildings that are completely enclosed with transparent materials, raising concerns about the greenhouse effect and its potential to compromise indoor comfort. In this context, the objective of this study is to develop a methodology and model to assessing and optimizing roof covering designs. The model consists of two phases. The first phase involves conducting a visual harmony analysis within the developed algorithm, using parametric model pattern alternatives created in Rhinoceros3D/Grasshopper3D. The second phase focuses on optimizing visual comfort parameters, including sDA, UDIuseful, UDIupper and DGP. The optimal pattern is determined by evaluating a variety property of transparent surfaces such as solar heat gain, light transmittance, and area using the Ladybug, Honeybee plugins. The options constitute via Colibri plugin. The case study chosen for this investigation is one of Mimar Sinan’s building in Istanbul. This choice is motivated by the increasing intervention of enclosed to open courtyards in madrasah buildings from this era. The construction system is proposed to use steel, with ETFE for the transparent surfaces. Consequently, the outcomes demonstrate the model is feasible for interventions.

Lighting is a key element of design that plays a significant role in affecting workers’ health and safety in industrial workspaces. Given the scarcity of scientific studies addressing visual environments in relation to workers health in industrial buildings, this field study was conducted to explore workers' responses to multiple lighting scenarios inside production halls on their occupational health and safety in six factories in Sadat City, Egypt. Self-assessments of 456 factory workers during day and night shifts were collected and correlated to light measurements collected at the factories. The statistical analysis of data revealed a significant reduction in workers reporting eye strain, alleviating headaches, and enhancing the ability to concentrate under daylight conditions compared to mixed and/or artificial lighting conditions. Moreover, it was found that lighting levels lower than 140 lux led to visual fatigue(p=0.03), headaches (p=0.014), drowsiness (p=0.004), and rapid loss of concentration (p=0.149) among workers. Poor lighting was shown to increase the likelihood of making occupational errors. Despite the health benefits of natural light compared to artificial lighting, glare from sunlight can sometimes cause headaches. This study emphasizes the importance of improving lighting quality in production halls within industrial environments, as it is a crucial factor in maintaining the health and safety of workers and enhancing professional performance.

In educational architecture, particularly in high-solar climates, achieving a balance between ample daylight and visual comfort is a significant challenge. This numerical study evaluates the daylighting performance of nine tubular daylight device (TDD) configurations, with diameters of 250 mm, 350 mm, and 540 mm, using one, two, or four units, in a 35 m² classroom located in Batna’s high-sun climate. By combining glare hotspot distribution with a weighted multi-criteria assessment (Daylight Autonomy, Useful Daylight Illuminance, Annual Sunlight Exposure, and uniformity), the research identifies optimal solutions that balance daylight provision and visual comfort. Among them, the 4×350 mm configuration performs best, limiting overlit areas to 20.7% (vs. 37.1% for 4×540 mm) and significantly reducing glare hotspots, while the 2×540 mm and 4×540 mm setups lead to 1.6-fold and 3.6-fold increases in glare zones, respectively, compared to 4×350 mm. This configuration also achieves the highest global score (66.5%) thanks to its low ASE (10%) and high UDI-a (74%). In contrast, the 4×540 mm setup, despite its superior DA (81%), presents unacceptable glare risks (65% ASE) and poor lighting uniformity. The study underscores the importance of prioritizing daylight quality metrics (UDI-a, ASE, glare control) over simply maximizing illuminance in sunny climates. These findings align with EN 17037 and LEED v4 guidelines and offer actionable insights for improving visual comfort in educational spaces.

This study examines the daylighting performance of parametric Mashrabiya-inspired shading devices in a Mediterranean climate, aiming to enhance occupant comfort and visual performance. Using Grasshopper/Rhinoceros for motif design and Climate Studio for annual daylight simulations, 21 shading patterns were evaluated by varying opening ratios (30%, 50%, 70%), depth angles (30°, 45°, 90°), and directions. Metrics such as Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) were used for performance assessment. Four scenarios with a 50% opening ratio and either downward or eastward-facing depths achieved balanced daylight sufficiency, with sDA values between 57.4% and 65.3%, ASE values from 0.5% to 7.4%, and UDI-a between 54% and 61.5%. The study highlights the potential of combining traditional Mashrabiya with modern parametric design to create energy-efficient, culturally responsive façades. Future research should explore in-situ validation and kinetic Mashrabiya systems for dynamic daylight control.