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Nowadays it is very common to discuss the various aspects of lighting within a framework of energy efficiency. In addition, the questions concerning lighting quality and occupants' comfort are another topic for active studies and debates.In the current investigation we tested one aspect of lighting quality-that is, light modeling-with the help of a luminance mapping technique. Here the degree of a 3D object's shape and detail distinctness are associated with modeling quality; that is, directly related to the light modeling concept. The aim of the study was to comprehend whether luminance-based design as a method, most perception oriented among others, could be applicable for the evaluation and prediction of the visibility of the shape and details of real 3D objects observed by people under daylight conditions and, further, to suggest luminance-based measures that can be developed into indicators of shape and details distinctness. Ordinal regression analysis of the survey results paired with several measures based on luminance values was performed. The tested measures were luminance ratio, mean luminance of the object, standard deviation of the luminances of the object, and the ratio between the highest luminance value of the object and mean luminance of the object. Among all of these measures the first three have the strongest correlations with subjective perception of 3D objects' shape and detail distinctness.KEYWORDS high dynamic range images, luminance-based measurements, luminance maps, light modeling, shape and detail distinctness Received

Energy efficiency policy forces architects to design buildings with increasingly well-sealed building skin. With the minimized outdoor connection, the indoor environment factors depend strongly on technical systems and control. In these scenarios, occupant dissatisfaction indicates a need for improvements of indoor environment and the way it is controlled. The aim of the article is to contribute to the discussion about the user perspective of indoor environmental quality in ZEB in the Nordic region. The focus on daylight as a factor for visual comfort, and on low outside temperature as an aspect of thermal comfort was dictated by this choice. An experimental study was conducted with 75 participants, in which the thermal, acoustic and visual conditions (controlled factors) together with a view out, humidity and CO2 level (monitored factors) were assessed by them and quantified via sensors. In most studied settings, the thermal comfort was the most determinant factor, followed by the acoustic and visual comfort. Other significant factors were mean illuminance in the room, mean temperature at the participants’ desks and a mode value of the noise level. The daylight levels much lower than recommended in regulations were accepted by participants as comfortable if they were sitting by the window. Also, participants preferred a higher indoor temperature than the recommended in Norway.

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