Biophilic, photobiological and energy-efficient design framework of adaptive building façades for Northern Canada

Abstract

This paper develops an integrated design framework of adaptive building façades (ABFs) to respond to photobiological and thermal needs of occupants, biophilic factors, energy requirements and climatic features in Northern Canada, i.e. near and above 50°N. The paper discusses the importance of biophilic and photobiological factors and ABFs to improve occupants’ health and human–nature relations and deal with the extreme climate in Northern Canada where non-adapted buildings that could negatively affect occupants’ well-being. The paper shows that existing ABFs must be further developed for northern applications in terms of (i) the physical structure and configuration of components, (ii) the design of solar shading/louver panels to address photobiological and biophilic requirements, (iii) the development of lighting adaptation scenarios to respond to biophilic and photobiological needs, local photoperiods and energy issues and (iv) the overall biophilic quality for accessibility to natural patterns. The ABFs’ framework was developed in three phases including: (1) process environmental data, (2) produce adaptation scenarios and (3) operate adaptation scenarios. The research discussed major issues of all phases that must be further studied, especially the development of hourly/daily/seasonally lighting adaptation scenarios. The paper develops a holistic parametric methodology to integrate and optimize major design variables of ABF’s components.

Lighting in the third dimension: laser scanning as an architectural survey and representation method

“…Such methods have several potentials and shortcomings to survey the lighting of vast and geometrically complex spaces, as summarized in Table 1. Photometric measurements have mostly been performed by using illuminance meters [3,4] which measure illuminance values at the height of work planes as prescribed by different standards and codes from the Illuminating engineering society (IES) [5], The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) [6] and the International Well Building Institute [7]. Lighting distribution can be represented in scatter plot graphics and architectural presentation documents such as plan views.…”

“…HDR fisheye images have been used to conduct visual comfort analysis with glare indices from human accessible viewpoints [26,27]. Despite its widespread use, accuracy and reproducibility [19,28], HDR imagery has several limitations [4]. For example, a limited number of viewpoints can be surveyed and analyzed.…”

Window View Access in Architecture: Spatial Visualization and Probability Evaluations Based on Human Vision Fields and Biophilia

“…The projected rays are also used to determine the line of sight and the minimum horizontal or vertical view angles to windows, which are required to rate views based on CEN [1], LEED [22], or WELL [21]. Considering imagery techniques, a fisheye image from the viewpoint of an actual or simulated space is generated and post processed in terms of percentages of outdoors or visibility of exterior elements that cover the scene [25,28]. Fisheye imagery techniques limit the number of viewpoints while requiring an extensive and time-consuming post processing analysis.…”

“…Previous research called to study window view access as an independent quantitative factor prior to evaluating qualities of views, or visibility and clarity of exterior elements, e.g., the sky, ground, and greenery [2,20]. As further discussed in the background section, existing methods also require further developments in terms of quantifiable metrics, thresholds, and occupant-centric spatial evaluations [2,20,25]. Metrics and spatial evaluations for view access in space must be developed to show impacts of architectural variables on potential visual experiences of occupants throughout space [25][26][27].…”

“…As further discussed in the background section, existing methods also require further developments in terms of quantifiable metrics, thresholds, and occupant-centric spatial evaluations [2,20,25]. Metrics and spatial evaluations for view access in space must be developed to show impacts of architectural variables on potential visual experiences of occupants throughout space [25][26][27]. Thus, having an efficient view to outdoors through windows must be evaluated in relation to the potential visual experience of an observer prior to discussing qualities of views or visibility of exterior elements.…”