Natural Lighting
The Natural Lighting group investigates the art and science of incorporating daylighting techniques that enhance indoor built environment experiences. We focus on exploring current daylight metrics through near real-time daylighting simulations to accurately propose solutions for ongoing indoor issues related to visual comfort. The group also expands to investigate techniques that allow proper daylight to promote the health and well-being of individuals by focusing on the non-visual effects of daylight and promoting the entrainment of circadian systems.
Non-Visual Effects of Daylight on Vulnerable Populations
A Framework to Simulate the Non-Visual Effects of Daylight on the Cognitive Health of Elderly Individuals
This research aims to understand the effect of daylight on cognitive health in general, and elderly and dementia individuals specifically. It then focuses on identifying daylighting metrics that entrain the circadian rhythm and specify appropriate thresholds that adapt to the needs of elderly individuals. In addition, investigations and simulations of current standard nursing homes are run to test their efficiency towards meeting the daylighting needs of elderly individuals for circadian entrainment.
Evaluating Daylighting Performance Metrics in LEED V.4
LEED adopted the use of spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Solar Exposure (ASE) to predict the daylight availability and probability of glare respectively but did not consider that ASE only evaluates disability glare. This research proposes a more comprehensive approach to daylighting performance evaluation in commercial office space that incorporates vertical-eye level glare evaluation, in addition to desk-level Climate Based Daylighting Metrics (CBDM).
