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Daylighting Impacts on Retail Sales Performance
Abstract
This paper reports on a study of the effect of daylighting on sales performance. In this project, we established a statistically compelling connection between skylighting and retail sales. The methodology used to conduct this research is described and the results are presented and interpreted. For the retail study, average sales for 108 stores of a retail chain were compared, controlling for age and size of store, hours of operation and location. The stores were very similar with the same products, the same approach to merchandising and the same management. Two thirds of the stores were equipped with skylights that provided general illumination, and which included automatic photosensor controls to reduce electric lighting when there was sufficient daylighting. The remaining third of the stores had conventional electric lighting with no skylights. The findings of this study show significantly higher retail sales in the stores with skylights, and they suggest that there is an important relationship between daylight availability in buildings and human factors that affect sales performance. Possible causal mechanisms are discussed, along with limitations of current findings and future research directions. The paper also presents an important methodology that may be applicable to other areas of lighting research.
... As part of the overall design approach, both natural and artificial lighting is employed to create functional, emotional, and environmental internal spaces. Over the last few decades, good lighting techniques have been shown to evoke positive atmospheres or emotions [3][4][5], distinguish images or brands [6][7][8], highlight product quality [9], draw attention to a specific object, or change perceptions of that object [10], stimulate sales performance [11][12][13], and influence customers' loyalty [14]. ...
... The other targeted economic benefits include increasing retail productivity and enhancing sales performance. According to field studies, the sales index is higher in stores with skylights than in equivalent stores without skylights [12,13,24,25]. ...
Given the rapid rise in the efficiency of artificial lighting systems, the challenges for any daylighting system on the basis of energy savings will be more challenging in the future. To sustain the role of daylighting in shopping malls, a field survey was conducted to explore daylighting benefits from the customers’ perspective. By analyzing the data collected from 552 Carian shopping malls’ customers, the present study supports the emerging idea that daylighting is more important to improving users’ mood than saving energy. The study found that ‘illumination’ was ranked as the most important element in the shopping malls' internal environment. Connection to outside views and the presence of sunlight were preferred and significantly enhanced the customers’ ability to recognize the utilization of daylight, which, in turn, increased customer satisfaction level. However, the study argues that lighting quality, rather than lighting source (natural or artificial), is what increases customer satisfaction. More studies are essential for elucidating the association between the conscious/subconscious perception of daylight utilization and the achievement of the intended human-related benefits. A better understanding of the customers’ perspectives will guide building designers toward effective daylighting solutions and shift the attention from the functional to the emotional role of daylighting.
... Classrooms with artificial lighting have an adverse effect on students, whilst those with natural light positively influence their behaviour (Al-Obaidi et al., 2014;Heschong et al., 2002;Nocera et al., 2018;Shishegar and Boubekri, 2016;Singh et al., 2018). Many studies have demonstrated that classroom lighting helps to improve the morale of both teachers and students. ...
... temperature and humidity, lighting, cleanliness and audio and visual features). Proper training and maintenance of the controllable classroom environment factors are often welcomed by those within the environment (Al-Obaidi et al., 2014;Haghighi and Jusan, 2012;Heschong et al., 2002;Michael and Heracleous, 2017;Moore et al., 2002;Muthyala and Wei, 2013;Nocera et al., 2018;Singh et al., 2018;Sleegers et al., 2013). Last but not least, the study successfully tests the "Eduscape" model, and thus extends knowledge of the critical elements in the Maldivian higher education learning environments and students' behaviour within them. ...
Purpose
This study aims to use the servicescape model of higher education environments to measure the students’ perceptions of the learning environment (classroom) and the effect this has on students’ learning ability.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study follows the stimulus-organism-response paradigm framework. A self-administered and well-structured survey questionnaire is used to collect data. The snowball sampling technique is used to collect samples of 403 students belonging to Maldivian higher education institutions.
Findings
Findings show that the physical appearances of these higher education institutions greatly influenced the pleasure dimension. Furthermore, pleasure is found to have a significant and positive relationship with the approach behaviour and engagement/involvement of the students.
Originality/value
The main contribution of the study is that it successfully tests the “Eduscape” model adopted from the servicescape model, and thus helps to extend existing knowledge on the critical elements in the Maldivian higher education learning environments and student’s behaviour within them. The findings have implications for higher education institutions to improve their learning environments and better engage with their students.
... Daylight can increase the latter by a combination of sharpened vision due to better colour rendering or higher light levels, improved visual modelling of objects and faces, reduction of flicker and/or the provision of contextual clues. 109 Productivity has been shown to increase by 5-15% in companies that have moved into buildings with more daylight. 110,111 However, the exact role of daylight on productivity in these kind of studies is still subject to future research, given the many other factors that change simultaneously with such a move. ...
... An analysis of sales in stores with and without skylights by Heschong et al. 109 indicated that stores with skylights had an increase in their sales index. Interviews indicated that the skylight unconsciously led to the visual environment being perceived as cleaner and more spacious. ...
Light is necessary for vision; it enables us to sense and perceive our surroundings and in many direct and indirect ways, via eye and skin, affects our physiological and psychological health. The use of light in built environments has comfort, behavioural, economic and environmental consequences. Daylight has many particular benefits including excellent visual performance, permitting good eyesight, effective entrainment of the circadian system as well as a number of acute non-image forming effects and the important role of vitamin D production. Some human responses to daylight seem to be well defined whilst others require more research to be adequately understood. This paper presents an overview of current knowledge on how the characteristics of daylight play a role in fulfilling these and other functions often better than electric lighting as conventionally delivered.
... Daylight is a crucial factor influencing human psychology and physiology, as it impacts our circadian rhythms and general health. Moreover, prior research has highlighted the beneficial effects of daylight exposure on users' health [9], the overall well-being of office workers [10], and on mood and sleep patterns [11]. Additionally, visual comfort plays a Sustainability 2025, 17, 1096 3 of 19 significant role in shaping user behavior, productivity, and overall well-being, particularly in educational settings. ...
The use of daylight as the primary lighting source in buildings is crucial for achieving energy savings. Significantly reducing the dependence on artificial lighting sources relies on more efficient utilization of available daylight and enhancement of its quantity and distribution within interior spaces. The appropriate use of daylight not only enhances energy efficiency in indoor spaces but also positively impacts users’ health and performance. A growing body of research has focused on methods for maximizing the use of daylight in interior environments. This study proposes a ceiling design aimed at utilizing daylight more efficiently in interior spaces. The quantity of daylight in an educational space was calculated using the VELUX Daylight Visualizer program by comparing the results of existing, diagonal, and curved ceiling designs. Light levels were measured before and after the addition of Pro-Sun to assess daylight integration and distribution in the studios’ interior spaces. The design studio was analyzed based on orientation (north-south), school semester, active hours, and ceiling type. As a result of the comparison of ceiling types, the Pro-Sun ceiling system with curved reflectors had the most daylight integration capacity and distribution in the deeper the studio’s interior space.
... How sunlight affects one psychologically and its efficiency in promoting a positive behavioral attitude (Heschong, 2002), (Shishegar & Boubekri, 2016), (Baloch et al., 2020) Accessibility to natural elements ...
Well-being is one of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which has been emphasized by the Convention on the Child's Rights for children below 18. Yet, mental health issues have shown a rapid climb in Malaysia. Acknowledging that mental health, physical well-being, infrastructure planning, and spatial design are intertwining subjects, this study attempts to comprehend the relationship between the psychological influence of physical space on end-users' well-being and to determine the significance of physical space in perpetuating end-users well-being. Also, the study attempts to enlighten the design aspects of physical space that are influential to end-users' well-being. Custodians of Penang youth institutions (involving two juvenile institutions and two orphanage shelters) were probed using semi-structured interviews. The study found that choices of colors, presence of daylighting, utilization of indoor landscape, open spaces concept, ventilation, and sense of privacy are the critical physical aspects to be considered during the early stage of infrastructure planning and spatial design for youth institutions.
... ii. Daylighting Heschong, Wright, and Okura (2002) concluded from the study that the presence of daylighting in retail stores increases their sales. The induced daylighting has brought association to the employees as well as the consumers in the retail store. ...
This paper identifies the physical space design that could influence the Penang youths’ state of well-being positively. The objectives of this study to comprehend the relationship between the psychological influence of physical space and the state of well-being of youths in the youth institution to determine the relationship between physical space and its significance in perpetuating end users’ state of well-being of Penang youths and enlighten on the understanding of physical space design that is influential to the state of well-being of Malaysian youths. This analysis will look onto aspects of physical space, including design elements, physical condition, and space sufficiency in youth’s current living space such as choices of colours, presence of daylighting, utilization of indoor landscape, open spaces concept, ventilation, and sense of privacy. The finding of this study generally helps to enlighten the understanding of physical space design that are influential to the state of well-being of youths in Penang.
... Somewhere daylight is the main or only source of light during operation. Changes in the field of view can affect the visual comfort and performance of users [1][2][3]. ...
Industrial halls have a very high energy consumption due to existing production processes, heating, cooling, lighting. To reduce energy consumption, it is necessary to make a number of technical modifications to the structure itself, or the interior. The industrial sector is one of the largest consumers of energy. One way to save energy is to take advantage of daylight. Natural daylight is an important part of our daily lives at home and at work. Providing natural daylight to the work environment is essential for the personal well-being, work efficiency and safety of the users of this environment. This paper deals with the evaluation of visual comfort in an industrial hall. Visual well-being is assessed on the basis of physical calculations. These were implemented by the RADIANCE simulation program. The lighting calculation was performed for both the cloudy sky and the clear sky. The program also qualified and quantified the brightness distribution. Potential sources of glare have also been identified.
... The dynamic patterns of natural light not only can relieve claustrophobia, depression, agitation, fatigue, and seasonal affective disorder but also can trigger human circadian systems more effectively than artificial light in buildings (Beauchemin & Hays, 1996;Boubekri et al., 2014;Hartleb Puleo & Leslie, 1991;Wallace-Guy et al., 2002). Considering the significant influence of natural light patterns, daylit spaces can increase occupants' productivity and wellbeing (Beauchemin & Hays, 1996;Heschong et al., 2002). The daylighting design of buildings must use the light changing properties to create lighting effects that modulate throughout the days, seasons, years, and sky conditions (Leslie, 2003). ...
... Daylight not only has an impact on human health and workplace productivity but also on the financial return of investment. A study conducted by Heschong, Roger and Stacia (2002) to examine the effect of daylighting on sales performance showed significantly higher retail sales in the stores with skylights compared with the stores that had conventional electric lighting with no skylights, suggesting that there is an important relationship between daylight availability in buildings and human factors that affect sales performance. ...
... Daylighting was a common source of illumination in industrial buildings and warehouses before the 1950s. However, with the cheapening of fluorescent lights and air-conditioning systems, daylight was progressively abandoned in favour of electric lighting (Heschong et al., 2002). ...
The retail sector represents 11% of the GDP and employs 15% of the workforce in the European Union. To tackle growth of e-commerce, physical retail stores need to be reviewed; both to decrease operating costs, increase productivity and to make the shopping experience more appealing. Energy use for lighting accounts for 50% of the total energy use in non-food retail stores, which is consumed primarily during daylight hours. Therefore, designing for daylighting and electric lighting integration is fundamental to obtain energy savings, as well as keeping occupants healthy and satisfied. This thesis describes field monitoring and supplementary building performance simulations of an existing daylighting and electric lighting integrated design for a furniture store. The store includes several areas of the showroom equipped with abundant daylighting. For the monitoring, the areas of the Living Room and Home Decoration exhibitions were selected. They include wide glazed areas, daylight harvesting systems, and tunable lighting. The monitoring procedure assesses four aspects: energy use, objective or measurable lighting conditions, circadian potential, and subjective evaluation of lighting. This study introduces an assessment based on the customers' path, which proved particularly informative in a retail setting. The results suggest that the integration project was successful in terms of energy saving, as well as customers and staff appreciation. Observations allowed a critical view on some of the objective photometric measures. Surprisingly, limited glare which simulations showed to occur, seems not to be a problem for users, rather an opportunity in a retail scenario. The customers were more attentive to daylighting and observing objects under natural light, and having a (good) view to the outside was the most positively evaluated. Clients also reported a better shopping experience compared to equivalent shops. Staff members showed satisfaction with the electric lighting solutions, such as LED panels with automatic tuning of correlated colour temperature. For future projects, the study argues that daylighting in furniture shops may be an asset. In addition, for the methodological part, the monitoring suggests that objective and subjective evaluations should be always combined for a full understanding of the integrated project.
... First, the physical environment comprising of attributes such as light, temperature, decor and built environment surrounding the individual users serve as an important context for technology acceptance and use research. The effect of "Weather" a variant of temperature attributes in environment class is widely researched in marketing discipline such as the effect of weather on negative hedonic consumption (Sun et al., 2009), consumer spending (Murray et al., 2010) and retail sales (Heschong et al., 2002) to name a few. Similarly, life sciences researchers has leveraged on the range of environmental factors such as lighting (Wansink, 2004), ambience (Stroebele & De Castro, 2004) and music (Ragneskog et al., 1996) on consumer food intake. ...
The extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) is less than ten years old and has already garnered more than 6000 citations with extensive usage in information systems and beyond. This research employed cited reference search to systematically review studies that cited UTAUT2 originating article. Based on UTAUT2 usage, the downloaded articles were classified into four categories such as: 1) General citation, 2) UTAUT2 application, 3) UTAUT2 integration, and 4) UTAUT2 extensions. Weber's (2012) theory evaluation framework revealed UTAUT2 as a robust theory on most dimensions except for parsimony arising from the complex model. UTAUT2 extensions emerged as popular UTAUT2 utilization category as researchers extended the model with context specific variables. Finally, UTAUT2 extensions were mapped to Johns' (2006) context dimensions to identify various limitations of the existing technology adoption research and to provide multi-level framework for future researchers with libraries of context dimensions.
... As part of the wider discussion on sustainable building design, daylighting has been found imperative for occupant wellbeing and energy savings (Bodart and De Herde 2002;Figueiro et al. 2017;Veitch and Galasiu 2012). Daylight is an interesting design factor, given its significant impact on retail sales performance (Heschong, Wright, and Okura 2002), as well as school and work achievement (Heschong et al. 2012;Maesano and Annesi-Maesano 2012). Backed by research determining a daylight threshold to ensure occupant comfort and satisfaction, specifically in school-buildings (Heschong et al. 2012), dynamic climate-based daylight modelling (CBDM) found its adaptation as a requirement for applications to the PSBP (Priority Schools Building Program) in the UK in 2012 (EFA 2014) as well as in European and British building standards (BS EN 17037:2018). ...
In parametric design environments, the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) promises greater feasibility than simulations in exploring the performance of solution spaces due to a reduction in overall computation time. This is because ANNs, once trained on selected input and output patterns, enable instantaneous predictions for new unseen input. In this study, ANNs were trained on simulation data to learn the relationship between design parameters and the resulting daylight performance. The ANNs were trained with selected input-output patterns generated from a reduced set of simulations in order to predict daylight performance for a hypercube of design solutions. This work demonstrates the integration of ANNs in a case study exploring designs for the central atrium of a school building. The study discusses the obtained design results and highlights the efficacy of the proposed method. Conclusions are drawn on the advantages of brute-force based daylight design explorations and an ANN-integrated design approach.
... Data from a WHO survey suggested that inadequate daylighting or bad window views increased the probability of depression by 60% and 40%, respectively [47]. Well-designed lighting is directly and indirectly associated with positive physical, physiological, and psychological health outcomes [48], as demonstrated by empirical studies across a number of building types, including schools [49], offices [50][51][52][53], hospitals [54,55], and retail stores [56]. These positive outcomes include higher test scores, improved health, reduced absenteeism, and increased worker productivity [57]. ...
Most people spend the majority of their lives indoors. Research over the last thirty years has focused on investigating the mechanisms through which specific elements of the built environment, such as indoor air quality, influence the physical health of occupants. However, similar effort has not been expended in regard to mental health, a significant public health concern. One in five Americans has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in the past year, and, in the United States, the number of suicide deaths are similar to the number of deaths due to breast cancer. Increases in mental health disorders in Western societies may be due, in part, to increased systemic inflammation, secondary to decreased exposures to a diverse microbial environment (i.e., the hygiene hypothesis, “Old Friends” hypothesis, “missing microbes” hypothesis, or biodiversity hypothesis), as well as increased environmental exposures that lead to chronic low-grade inflammation. In this review, we provide an assessment that integrates historical research across disciplines. We offer ten questions that highlight the importance of current lessons learned regarding the built environment and mental health, including a potential role for the microbiome of the built environment to influence mental health. Suggested areas for future investigation are also highlighted.
... Considerable energy savings were reported in a study on 73 stores by Heschong Mahone Group that registered electric lighting savings from skylights between 20 and 30 percent, with buildings total energy savings ranging from 15 to 20 percent (Heschong, 2003). Moreover, when the installations of skylights and clearstories were associated with automatic electric light controls, energy savings by utilizing daylight increased up to 20 percent more (HMG, 1999;Heschong et al., 2002;Heschong, 2003). ...
Purpose – Electric lighting accounts for a large share of energy consumption in commercial buildings.
Utilization of daylight can significantly help to reduce the need for artificial lighting, increase workers
productivity, customers’ satisfaction and consequently improve sales. However, excessive use of glazing and
absence of lighting controls can contribute greatly to higher energy need for heating and cooling and cause
undesired glare effects. Thus, optimizing the size, position and materials of external glazing, with the addition
of deflectors and dynamic artificial lighting, can become key aspects in the design of sustainable low energy
buildings. The purpose of this paper is to analyze daylight potential and energy performance of a hall-type
commercial building, situated in the cold climate of Finland, by utilizing different combinations of skylights,
windows and lighting controls.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors have used computer simulations to estimate daylight and
energy performance of a single floor commercial building in relation to various combinations of skylights and
windows with variable glazing materials, light deflectors and zonal lighting controls.
Findings – The results show that electric light energy saving potential ranges from a negligible 1.9 percent
to a significant 58.6 percent in the case of glass skylights and wall windows using multi-zone lighting control.
Total delivered energy ranges between increase of 1.5 and 21.2 percent in the cases with single zone lighting
control and between decrease of 4.5 percent and increase of 4.5 percent in the cases with multi-zone control.
The highest decrease in primary energy consumption was 2.2 percent for single zone and 17.6 percent for
multi-zone lighting control. The research underlines the significant potential of electric light energy savings
using daylighting strategies that, including the control of direct solar access for glare and internal gains, can
be more than 50 percent.
Originality/value – This research combines accurate daylight and energy assessment for commercial hall
buildings based in cold climate region with multiple design variations. The novelty of this work is the
consideration of interior elements, shelves and deflectors, in the calculations. This is made possible through
the combined use of validated simulation platforms for detailed annual daylighting and electric lighting
calculation (Radiance and Daysim) and energy analysis (IDA-ICE, Equa Simulation AB). This method allows
to obtain a reliable assessment of the potential of using natural light sources in buildings.
... Considerable energy savings were reported in a study on 73 stores by Heschong Mahone Group that registered electric lighting savings from skylights between 20-30%, with buildings total energy savings ranging from 15 to 20% (Heschong, 2003). Moreover, when the installations of skylights and clerestories were associated with automatic electric light controls, energy savings by utilizing daylight increased up to 20% more (HMG, 1999, Heschong et al., 2002, Heschong, 2003. ...
... Bringing daylight into the building helps to reduce the amount of electricity to be used and consequently the energy costs. But without considering the type of the glazing, and the location of the fenestration, integrating daylight can cause an increase in energy consumption (Heschong et al., 2002). When planning windows for grocery stores, location, orientation, height, glazing, and total amount of windows are critical to control heat gain and glare. ...
Lighting is arguably the single most important element in retail design. Among
retail environments, grocery stores are important for their potential contribution to
sustainable community. More than a mundane place for running errands, the grocery
store is increasingly a “third place” that sits at the nexus of healthy lifestyles and
community gathering. This study explores the ways that lighting helps to enhance these
larger goals and advances an approach to lighting design that considers not just the
environmental, but also the economic and social impacts of lighting.
This study developed two key resources for practitioners involved in the lighting
design of grocery stores. The first resource is a sustainable lighting design process and
the second product is evidence-based design guidelines for sustainable lighting design in
grocery stores. The “sustainable lighting design process” is the result of combining
major elements in lighting design with the 3-E framework for sustainability that
encourages consideration of environment, economy, and equity. The second resource,
and the major undertaking of this thesis, is a systematic review of existing scholarly
literature that results in a comprehensive matrix of sustainable lighting guidelines for
the grocery store environment. The matrix of guidelines additionally reveals how each
guideline relates to the 3 major goals of sustainability. Hence, each study was examined
for its contribution to ecological, social, and economic sustainability goals, and
sustainability themes were mapped accordingly into the guidelines.
The final guidelines can be selected to fit unique applications and contexts by
store owners and retail designers. The use of the guidelines, even in part, can improve
the sustainability of lighting solutions across numerous dimensions – from reducing the
carbon footprint of the building to increasing sales to fostering positive social
interactions among customers. These guidelines can also be used by scholars to find
gaps in the research field by looking across the matrix and the mapping of sustainability
themes. The hope is that future researchers will help to improve the matrix by
continuing important research on sustainable lighting strategies.
... Healthy, Sustainable Light; The third component can be achieved by maximizing the use of daylight without glare, selecting the highest quality lighting fixtures, separating task and ambient light, and designing plugand-play lighting with dynamic lighting zones. Case studies demonstrate that improved lighting design increases individual productivity between 0.7and 23%, reduces headaches and SBS symptoms by 10-25%, while reducing annual energy loads by 27-88% (Heschong et al. 2002). ...
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is one of the leading negative attributes associated to the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of buildings. This paper studied the perception of students to specific sick building syndrome in Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah (PSZ) library building in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The survey uses checklist in order to rate the students’ perception. Data analysis was quantitative (statistical). The students constituted the respondents for this study. Perception of students to the five SBS sources were studied and their accompanying symptoms. Results obtained in the study reveal that PSZ is established to being a sick building, indicating that 21.89% of students suffer from the specific SBS symptoms. Secondly it was establish from literature that, by employing the sustainability concept, significant improvement between the SBS sources (lighting, noise, furniture ergonomics and VDU etc), and students performance satisfaction could be enhance. Which confirm that, IEQ variables are significantly positively related to student’s performance, and those extremities of such variables lead to effect in performance satisfaction.
... Today's glazings frequently permit excessive energy flows to enter or exit a building, which then necessitates energy-wasteful cooling or heating. One principle solution to this conundrum is to make the glazings small, but this is not acceptable in practice since precious indoors-outdoors contact and daylighting are then curtailed, and both of these features are essential for human well-being and task performance [24][25][26]. However, energy efficiency can be achieved with glazings permitting variable amounts of solar energy and visible light to be transmitted. ...
Today’s advances in materials science and technology can lead to better buildings with
improved energy efficiency and indoor conditions. Particular attention should be directed towards
windows and glass facades—jointly known as “glazings”—since current practices often lead to
huge energy expenditures related to excessive inflow or outflow of energy which need to be
balanced by energy-intensive cooling or heating. This review article outlines recent progress in
thermochromics, i.e., it deals with materials whose optical properties are strongly dependent on
temperature. In particular, we discuss oxide-based thin surface coatings (thin films) and nanoparticle
composites which can be deposited onto glass and are able to regulate the throughput of solar energy
while the luminous (visible) properties remain more or less unaltered. Another implementation
embodies lamination materials incorporating thermochromic (TC) nanoparticles. The thin films
and nanocomposites are based on vanadium dioxide (VO2), which is able to change its properties
within a narrow temperature range in the vicinity of room temperature and either reflects or absorbs
infrared light at elevated temperatures, whereas the reflectance or absorptance is much smaller at
lower temperatures. The review outlines the state of the art for these thin films and nanocomposites
with particular attention to recent developments that have taken place in laboratories worldwide.
Specifically, we first set the scene by discussing environmental challenges and their relationship
with TC glazings. Then enters VO2 and we present its key properties in thin-film form and as
nanoparticles. The next part of the article gives perspectives on the manufacturing of these films and
particles. We point out that the properties of pure VO2 may not be fully adequate for buildings and
we elaborate how additives, antireflection layers, nanostructuring and protective over-coatings can
be employed to yield improved performance and durability that make TC glazings of considerable
interest for building-related applications. Finally, we briefly describe recent developments towards
TC light scattering and draw some final conclusions.
... The utilization of natural light in retail spaces not only saves lighting energy but also has a positive effect on sales [6]. In stores that use skylights, it is reported up to 40% higher sales compared to only artificially lit buildings [7]. ...
Artificial lighting is one of the major electricity consumers in many non-residential buildings. Proper use of daylighting in retail buildings can reduce energy consumption effectively and additionally improve the quality of light and increase sales and worker’s productivity. The present study analyses daylight potentials and energy performance using different configurations of skylights, deflectors, clerestories and lighting zones for a large space hall-type retail building located in the northern latitude and cold climate of Finland. The scope of the study was to determine the artificial lighting energy reductions for different combinations and the
general impact of daylighting features on the energy performance of the building type. The results show electric lighting energy savings potential from a mere 4% in the case of single zone control with only clerestories, up to almost 60% in the case of multi-zone control with skylights, clerestories and without deflectors. The total
delivered energy shows increase between 1% and 20% for the different configurations using single zone lighting control and from 6% increase to 4% decrease in cases with multi-zone control. The primary energy results showed up to 1% lower values for single zone and up to 17% lower values for multi-zone control variants. The outcomes of the research emphasize the potential of daylighting underlining the importance of reducing glare and of a correct lighting zones design which can increase the daylight performances of about 50%.
... reviews of Boyce et al. 2003, Veitch and Galasiu (2012) and Strong (2012), studies conducted by the Heschong Mahone Group (California Energy Commission (2003a, 2003b) and http://h-m-g.com/Projects/daylighting/projects-PIER.htm) and ongoing work of the CIE Joint Technical Committee on " Visual, Health, and Environmental Benefits of Windows in Buildings during Daylight " ). Studies also indicate that daylight utilization can increase sales (Heschong et al. 2002). Up until today, these benefits cannot be quantified in an economical value or be represented in the lighting quality. ...
Energy efficient lighting is said to be one of the most cost-effective approaches to save energy and reduce C02 emissions. In order to stimulate the application of lighting retrofits of good quality, IEA Task 50, Subtask B “Daylighting and Electric Lighting solutions” has looked into the assessment of existing and new technical retrofit solutions in the field of façade and daylighting technology, electric lighting and lighting controls. The document provides information for those involved in the development of retrofit products or involved in the decision making process of a retrofit project, such as buildings owners, authorities, designers and consultants, as well as the lighting and façade industry. This source book addresses both electric lighting solu¬tions and daylighting solutions, and offers a method to compare these retrofit solutions on a common basis, including a wide range of quality criteria of cost-related and lighting quality aspects. Simple retrofits, such as replacing a lamp or adding interior blinds, are widely accepted, often applied because of their low initial costs or short payback periods. The work presented in this report aims at promoting state-of-the-art and new lighting retrofit approaches that might cost more but offer a further reduction of energy consumption while improving lighting quality to a greater extend.
... Yet, even with these compelling data on energy savings, few architects, engineers, or builders have taken steps to coordinate the use of daylighting with lighting energy savings in commercial buildings. Two recent studies have shown that significant positive impacts of daylighting include increased retail sales (Heschong, 2001a) and higher student test scores (Heschong, 2001b). These findings have brought attention to other possible benefits resulting from the use of daylight in various spaces. ...
Although it is well documented that lighting controls in combination with daylighting in offices can save up to one-half the lighting energy in commercial buildings, the positive impacts of daylight on productivity, human health and well-being may be more compelling reasons to incorporate daylight into the design of buildings. There is growing evidence that light can impact human circadian systems and that the light intensities and spectra needed to activate the circadian system are different from those needed to activate the visual system. Lack of bright light exposure during the day may result in disruption of the circadian system and lead to feelings of depression, poor sleep quality, lethargy, and even illness. Based on these speculations, it was hypothesized that people working in interior offices would spend less time in their offices and would be less productive than a matched group of people in windowed offices. This study looked into the occupancy rates, amount of time subjects spent on work-related tasks, and electric lighting operation in daylighted and interior offices. The results showed no difference in occupancy, but people in windowed offices spent significantly more time (15%) on work-related tasks than people in interior offices. Regarding electric lighting operation, energy waste (lights on when office is unoccupied) in interior offices was greater (28% of the times observed) than in windowed offices (13% of the times observed). Energy savings (lights off when office is occupied) occurred only in windowed offices (18% of the times observed).
... Maximizing the use of natural lighting during the day can reduce energy costs and improve the atmosphere for buildings' users. The importance of access to natural light and the impact this has on buildings' users has been established, including the way it can significantly change behaviors; e.g., use of natural lighting improves sales volume at retail outlets versus artificial light (Heschong et al., 2002). Green design facilitates an integrated choice of building function and orientation; e.g., through combinations of high insulation levels; capturing heat and energy from geothermal or other natural resources; use of renewable energy installations (e.g., photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, or solar water heating); careful harvesting of daylight; use of shading tools appropriately during the day; or optimizing building occupancy through smart sensors (Davidson, 2013). ...
There is a rapidly growing awareness amongst the public of facilities where the design incorporates green construction principles. This paper aims to study the quality function deployment (QFD) concept and technique when implemented in the construction industry with a particular focus on supporting green hospital design by identifying the end-user factors (concerns) that affect the design. This research develops QFD tools for green hospital designs known as the house of quality green design (HOQGD). Data were collected using a questionnaire survey distributed to public and private hospital end-users in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Findings revealed that end-users perceived " safety mechanisms during emergency " as being of the utmost importance and also the feature they were most satisfied with. The other demanded qualities were at an average degree of satisfaction; however, the end-users considered that green hospital design must make efforts to maximize the use of natural light and ventilation while considering the building orientation; materials should be free from toxicity and be environmentally friendly; the landscape should be strategically designed and the facilities should increase the sense of a healing environment, and water efficient equipment should be installed. Accordingly, these were prioritized and incorporated in the developed HOQGD to inform green hospital design for both public and private facilities. Highlights: 1. We survey end-users of hospitals regarding perceptions of green design elements 2. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is used to develop technical specifications 3. A House of Quality Green Design prioritizes specifications for future projects 4. Analysis shows less satisfaction with sustainability factors than safety features 5. Authorities should ensure implementation of sustainable specifications
... The following studies have found improvements in productivity and energy saving as daylight levels increase; the Lockheed Building 157 in Sunnyvale California identified a 50% savings in lighting, cooling and ventilation energy and 15% reduced absenteeism due to the daylighting design [5]. A multiple building study identified an average 40% increase in sales in retail stores where skylights provide a significant portion of daytime lighting [6]. A field study identified a 15% increase in time dedicated to work tasks and a 35% decrease in electric lighting use for occupants of windowed offices, as compared to occupant in interiors offices with no access to daylight, with an increased performance of 3.75% [7]. ...
Window design plays an important role in achieving energy efficient buildings and in providing thermal comfort of building occupants. This paper investigates a newly developed aerogel window and the potential improvement on the comfort factors of an office in relation to daylighting. Improved comfort levels can impact on health and wellbeing of building occupants leading to knock on effects on absenteeism and productivity. A simulation tool was presently created that will easily enable comparison of different façade design and their impact on heat and light transmission and therefore enable optimisation. One of the most important aspects of the present work was comparing the performance of the newly developed aerogel window against the more traditional Argon-filled, coated double-glazing. Whereas the aerogel window provided an extremely low heat-loss index of 0.3W/m2K, the latter usually offered a centre-glazing U-value of 1.4W/m2K. On a like-with-like basis the daylight transmission of the aerogel window was significantly lower than double-glazing. However, in view of low thermal loss larger areas of the former can be deployed. This article presents the influence of three key parameters that may lead to an optimum design: daylight, thermal loss and solar gain.
... Atrium is a common architectural component in commercial buildings to introduce daylight to the core of buildings. Previous studies demonstrated the evidence of increased retail sale (Heschong et al., 2002), increased office rental values (Boyce et al., 1996), and enhanced worker health (Heschong Mahone Group, 2003) in daylit spaces. While atria can be used as a source of natural light, they can cause excessive energy consumption if not properly designed. ...
This research focuses on daylight assessment in office buildings with different atrium types, proportions and roof aperture designs. The goal is to assess and optimize atrium type and proportions to improve energy efficiency of atrium buildings. This paper investigates daylight metrics in central, attached and semi-enclosed atrium types with different proportions and roof aperture designs, such as monitor and horizontal skylight. Daylight performance is measured based on the proportions of an atrium that are defined by Well Index (WI), used to characterize atria. Climate-Based Daylight Modeling (CBDM) is applied as the assessment strategy with U.S Climate Zone 3 as the climatic setting. Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Solar Exposure (ASE) are adopted as the dynamic daylight metrics to compare the results. This study also validates DIVA for Rhino as the simulation tool by comparing daylight results of the computer simulation with the same scale-model.
... Moreover, daylight and views may have a positive effect on occupants' health, well-being, and productivity (Farley and Veitch, 2001;Veitch and Galasiu, 2012). In addition, the presence of windows or skylights on buildings may have a positive effect on retailing (Heschong, Wright, and Okura, 2002). Finally, windows can provide useful passive solar gains and offer a means, if operable, for occupants to introduce fresh outdoor air into the space and increase local air speeds. ...
This chapter examines thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ). It identifies and quantifies major sources of comfort. IAQ is a measure of the healthiness and comfort of air in buildings. The three main methods to ensure good IAQ are: removal or reduction of source of contaminants, ventilation, or filtration of contaminants. The elements of indoor environmental quality are critical to the success of Net-zero energy buildings (Net ZEBs). While indoor conditions were traditionally viewed as being passively endured by occupants, it is now widely accepted that occupants actively adapt their environment and themselves to improve comfort. Because these adaptations may have a significant effect on energy use, comfort and energy are tightly linked. As such, maintaining comfort through careful building design and operation should be considered throughout the building life cycle.
... Moreover, daylight and views have a positive effect on occupants' health, well-being, and productivity (Farley and Veitch, 2001;Veitch and Galasiu, 2012). In addition, the presence of windows or skylights on buildings may have a positive effect on retailing (Heschong, Wright, and Okura, 2002). Finally, windows can provide useful passive solar gains and provide a means, if operable, for occupants to introduce fresh outdoor air into the space and increase local air speeds. ...
A primary goal of buildings is to provide shelter, a space to live and engage in activities, and to facilitate provision of a comfortable environment. In the context of net-zero energy buildings (Net ZEBs), this means they should efficiently provide a comfortable environment while meeting the net-zero energy target. While comfort was once considered something that occupants passively tolerate, more recent research has recognized that occupants adapt themselves and their environment in order to improve comfort (de Dear and Brager, 1998). For this reason, comfort is tightly linked to energy performance; if occupants are not provided with comfortable conditions, they often adapt in the most convenient and responsive way rather than in energy conserving ways (Cole and Brown, 2009). Therefore, comfort should be critically assessed throughout the design and operation of Net ZEBs.
This chapter focuses on the three main categories of occupant comfort in buildings (thermal, visual, and acoustic) and indoor air quality (IAQ). These domains are all linked to each other and energy performance and must be incorporated into design as such, as shown in Figure 3.1. For instance, in naturally ventilated buildings, occupants are often faced with making compromises between acoustic comfort (noise from outside), thermal comfort (a cooling sensation from moving air or by introducing cooler outdoor air), and indoor air quality (fresh outdoor air).
Conventionally, thermal comfort has been considered a function of four environmental variables (air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, and air speed) and two personal variables (metabolic activity and clothing level). Using an energy balance of the human body, comfort levels are predicted based on laboratory-based experiments and occupant ratings of comfort. A newer approach, known as adaptive thermal comfort, acknowledges that occupants tend to attempt to control the indoor environmental variables to restore comfort. Designing buildings according to comfort ranges suggested by adaptive comfort models generally predicts lower energy use as long as convenient, responsive, and effective means for occupants to improve their environment are available (e.g., operable windows).
Perspectives on visual comfort have also evolved recently due to renewed emphasis on daylighting as an important approach to reducing energy use for Net ZEBs, daylight’s importance to health and well-being (Veitch, 2011), and the predominant use of vertically oriented computer monitors (as opposed to deskwork). Visual comfort is affected by window size, position, and type, and interior geometry and finishes.
Daylight glare can be controlled using fixed shading (e.g., overhangs and fixed louvers) and dynamic shading devices (e.g., blinds).
Acoustic comfort is often neglected during the design of standard and Net ZEBs because it can conflict with good daylighting and natural ventilation design. Recent reports of post-occupancy evaluation of low-energy buildings have revealed that they generally score high for all categories of occupant satisfaction except for acoustic quality and privacy (Abbaszadeh et al., 2006; Newsham et al., 2013). Acoustic comfort is directly linked to health and productivity (Crook and Langdon, 1974; Leaman and Bordass, 2000; Veitch, 1990). Furthermore, poor acoustic quality can compromise energy conserving strategies like natural ventilation because occupants are faced with choosing between thermal comfort and having a quiet indoor environment.
Indoor air quality refers to the health and comfort-related properties of building air. Modern buildings tend to have high concentrations of occupants and materials that can compromise healthy IAQ unless sufficient solutions are implemented. While IAQ is typically good in new Net ZEBs and other high-performance buildings due to the emphasis on IAQ in many green building standards, the high concentration of synthetic materials presents a challenge.
As described in detail in this chapter, occupant comfort is complex and subtle; seemingly minor localized discomfort can adversely affect the perceived indoor environment. The objective of this chapter is to identify and quantify major sources of comfort.
... The hypothesis about the role of environmental lighting on several physiological aspects, especially in the workspace, can be tested with different environment models. Most of these studies have focused on subjective aspects of wellbeing and have tried to correlate lighting conditions with work performance, satisfaction or emotional responses of user's (Abdou, 1997;Begeman et al., 1996;Boyce, 2003;Edwards & Torcellini, 2002;Galasiu & Veitch, 2006;Heschong Mahone Group, 1999aHeschong et al., 2002;Houser & Tiller, 2003;Vallenduuk, 1999;Veitch et al., 2011). The presence of windows and possibility of visual contact to the outside has proven to be very important for human well being in indoor environments (Collins, 1975;Cuttle, 1983;Farley & Veitch, 2001;Finnegan & Solomon, 1981). ...
The diurnal light cycle has a crucial influence on all life on earth. Unfortunately, modern society has modified this life-governing cycle by stressing maximum production and by giving insufficient attention to the ecological balance and homeostasis of the human metabolism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of exposure or lack of exposure to natural light in a rest/activity rhythm on cortisol and melatonin levels, as well as on psychological variables in humans under natural conditions. This is a cross-sectional study. The subjects were allocated split into two groups according to their workspace (10 employees in the "with window" group and 10 in the "without window" group). All participants were women and wore anactigraph (Actiwatch 2, Philips Respironics), which measures activity and ambient light exposure, for seven days. Concentrations of melatonin and cortisol were measured from the saliva samples. Participants were instructed to collect saliva during the last day of use of the actigraph at 08:00 am, 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm. The subjects answered the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) to measure the presence of minor psychiatric disorders; the Montgomery-Asberg (MA) scale was used to measure depression symptoms, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) was used to evaluate the quality of sleep. The Rayleigh analysis indicates that the two groups, "with window" an d "without window", exhibited similar activities and light acrophases. In relation to light exposure, the mesor was significantly higher (t = -2.651, p = 0.023) in t he "with window" group (191.04 ± 133.36) than in the "without window" group (73.8 ± 42.05). Additionally, the "with window" group presented the highest amplitude of light exposure (298.07 ± 222.97). Cortisol levels were significantly different between the groups at 10:00 pm (t = 3.009, p = 0.008; "without window" (4.01 ± 0.91) "with window" (3.10 ± 0.30)). In terms of the melatonin levels, the groups differed at two different times of day: 08:00 am (t = 2.593, p = 0.018) and 10:00 pm (t = -2.939, p = 0.009). The "with window" group had a lower melatonin level at 08:00 am (3.54 ± 0.60) but a higher level at 10:00 pm (24.74 ± 4.22) than the "without window" group. Higher cortisol levels were positively correlated with minor psychiatric disorders and depressive symptoms (MA) at 10:00 pm. Lower melatonin levels at 10:00 pm were correlated with depressive symptoms and poor quality of sleep (PSQI). Our study demonstrated that not only may light pollution affect human physiology but also lack of exposure to natural light is related to high levels of cortisol and lower levels of melatonin at night, and these, in turn, are related to depressive symptoms and poor quality of sleep.
... Daylighting refers to the use of direct, redirected, or filtered daylight as a dominant or supplemental light resource for the building interior. Based on a serious of quantitative studies on the benefits of daylight in various types of buildings, Heschong drew the conclusion that daylight helps to improve school student scores, office worker productivity and retail sales (Heschong 2006;Heschong et al. 2002). A solid amount of research has revealed that office workers have a strong preference for daylight as a method for office lighting. ...
... Probably the most convincing evidence that daylight can have a positive influence on sales is a study of sales in a retail chain operating 108 stores, two-thirds with diffusing skylights [39], [40]. The authors name many possible reasons for the effect they have measured. ...
Daylight, rather a fact than a matter of discussion for many millennia, has lost its dominant role in architecture during the years 1950 till 1965. The artificial lighting of interiors had reached its long promised goal and was con-sidered superior to daylighting in quality. In many countries, office buildings and even schools were built without windows because the new techniques of lighting and air conditioning were believed to perform much better than conventional lighting from windows and skylights and air supply through wall openings. Studies of the ERGO-NOMIC Institute, Berlin, in German office buildings, published first in 1990, revealed that almost 60 % of the workers considered lighting a health hazard, and, in addition, that in work spaces where artificial lighting domi-nates the self-reported state of health of workers was far below of those working in areas with daylight domi-nance. Since this was not only true for "vision-related" symptoms like eye fatigue, but also with other health com-plaints related to temperatures or noise we assumed that the effects are likely to be caused by influences of light-ing on the hormonal system. During the 1990s, a series of studies on the impact of lighting on humans were per-formed in the USA. They included offices, schools and retail buildings. The outcome in short is, that daylight was demonstrated to improve human performance, to change the state of health for the better, to help boosting sales in retail shops. In addition, other studies have demonstrated its impact on the energy efficiency of buildings.
... The problem in retail lighting is that the SPDs of a fluorescent light source, which is the most energy efficient, differ greatly from those of daylight (Asoulay, 2005). Heschong, Wright and Okura (2002) concluded that an increase in sales associated with a daylit store might be possibly because daylight helps improve vision due to the higher illumination level and better color rendition. Hinks et al. (2001) found that a medium-sized retail store (approximately 5000ft 2 ) with limited external windows has variable lighting. ...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in the three dimensions of fabrics under different standard illuminants using portable and table top spectrophotometers. This study were designed to combine a controlled experimental laboratory analysis with a retail field approach in order to provide comprehensive and practical information on the effect of retail environment on color. The results of this study show that temperature and humidity in the retail environment and controlled experimental laboratory were different. The variations of temperature and humidity have an impact on the three dimensions of color. Different illuminants in table top spectrophotometer affect color dimensions. Moreover, there was an inter-instrumental agreement between portable and spectrophotometers, but there was a statistically significant in terms of mean differences.
Mental health is a huge challenge in the fast-paced modern society. However, most people's awareness and understanding of mental health is limited to depression, mania, and other serious mental illnesses, without realizing that many early-stage mental health problems are perceivable, preventive, and can be intervened. A number of studies have shown that many elements of the indoor environment can influence people's stress, anxiety, mood, and cognitive performance. These environmental interventions are passive, meaning they do not need constant active engagements from users. Therefore, they may be more widely and more efficiently adopted to serve more types of users, as a complementary solution for traditional behavioral interventions. This paper synthesized research studies in the fields of building science, psychology, and public health internationally in the past four decades. We analyzed the mental health impact from different types of environmental factors and provided theoretical guidance for building design innovations that would benefit occupants' mental health and well-being.
With the need to increase total revenues, airports have begun to use commercial retail. A well-designed airport may provide great service to clients and consumers and increase their satisfaction and in turn their spending behaviours. Since there is suggestive evidence that there might be cultural associations of white, purple or black with different emotional loadings to these colours across cultures, the present study investigated passengers’ preferences for architectural design characteristics of an airport in a new cultural setting. Discrete choice modelling was used to measure the passengers’ preferences for 10 interior design characteristics of the passenger terminal using 3D renderings. Data on 435 passengers were collected at Mehrabad International Airport, which also included passengers’ emotions. Passengers in the terminal hall preferred a curved and transparent ceiling, material in warm colours, cool lighting, with low width and low height, greenery and without any decorations. When compared to other studies, it may well be that passenger preferences for lighting and certain colour schemes reflect geographical or cultural differences. For other interior design characteristics, preferences relating to the shape of the ceiling and the amount of daylight, as well as the presence of greenery, may well be reflections of passengers’ restorative needs.
Occupant behavior may significantly affect energy demand in buildings. This issue necessitates determining different factors that influence occupant behavior and triggers the use of artificial lighting. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess students' behavior in two adjacent classrooms with different angles of view for uncovering their behavioral actions in switching artificial lights on or off based on their behavioral preferences in classrooms. Furthermore, the students' responses are mapped onto the illuminance levels of the classrooms for future analysis based on the Daylight Factor (DF). Based on sampling for comparing two independent means, 73 participants were selected for participation in this study. The results show that distance from windows, quality of view, illuminance level, board and desk conditions, and condition of curtains can affect students' behavioral actions. Besides, it shows illuminance levels of classes along with their window-to-floor ratio (WFR) affect respondents' visual comfort significantly. In the end, a trigger-action model is provided based on the findings. The outcome of this study can help decision-makers and designers to take appropriate steps toward reducing the energy consumption of educational buildings by using various design approaches based on occupants' behavioral actions and preferences.
Exposure to daylight has much to offer and should be optimised to maximise its potential. In order to harvest its benefits, any visual discomfort from daylight should be anticipated and minimised. Hence, there is the need to predict discomfort from daylight glare. While more than 20 models for predicting discomfort from daylight glare have been developed, none accurately predict it. The inclusion of additional factors in the models may improve the predictions. One such factor is the socio-environmental context of the observer. This study compares the evaluations of discomfort glare from daylight for office buildings in four socio-environmental contexts: Chile, Belgium, Japan and Switzerland. The evaluations of discomfort glare, each consisting of subjective assessments and physical measurements of a view condition, were collected at the office desks of 401 participants, although only 211 responses were used in the analyses due to exclusion rules. The results do not suggest evidence of an influence of socio-environmental context on discomfort from daylight glare. In other words, the participants in this study perceived discomfort glare similarly, regardless of their socio-environmental context.
The purpose of this study is to provide insight into green retail spaces for fashion brands. Particularly, in this study, we analyzed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)–certified retail stores of fashion brands. The LEED program, which is one of the most widely used green building certification programs in the world, is administered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Using publicly available data from the USGBC, we analyzed patterns and characteristics of fashion stores that achieved LEED certification under the LEED 2009 for Retail: Commercial Interiors rating system (CI). A total of 199 fashion stores that completed their LEED certification were used for the data analysis. A credit achievement pattern of each fashion store project was analyzed in six LEED CI assessment categories. A pattern emerged from the data analysis suggesting that for fashion stores, aesthetic considerations more often than not trump sustainability concerns. This has been highlighted in the low achievement in credit categories where surface materials are most visible or in categories where achievement would greatly alter space design.
Electrochromic (EC) materials have optical properties that can be tuned, reversibly and persistently, by an electrical stimulus. These materials, and device technologies based on them, are under rapid development in particular with regard to implementation in windows and glass facades ‐ jointly known as glazing ‐ for energy‐efficient buildings. This chapter outlines the state of the art for electrochromism and highlights a number of recent advances. Electrical power is required only to alter the optical properties, which leads to energy efficiency for the EC glazing. The EC device has an obvious resemblance to an electrical battery whose charging state is manifested as optical absorption. It is useful to have a thin film counter electrode with optical properties that are complementary to those of the EC film. It is noted that most of the EC oxides can be viewed as having octahedral building blocks arranged with various degrees of corner‐sharing and edge‐sharing.
Making Places for People explores twelve social questions in environmental design. Authors Christie Johnson Coffin and Jenny Young bring perspectives from practice and teaching to challenge assumptions about how places meet human needs. The book reveals deeper complexities in addressing basic questions, such as: What is the story of this place? What logic orders it? How big is it? How sustainable is it? Providing an overview of a growing body of knowledge about people and places, Making Places for People stimulates curiosity and further discussion. The authors argue that critical understanding of the relationships between people and their built environments can inspire designs that better contribute to health, human performance, and social equity-bringing meaning and delight to people’s lives.
An airport is a building type that exemplifies the wide range of interactions that can occur between building occupants and their surrounding luminous environment. Research has found numerous health and productivity benefits associated with daylight for building occupants. However, designing effective and efficient daylighting solutions is a complex task that involves balancing various dynamic factors and personal and task-dependent preferences. This paper explores the ways in which different occupant types have different visual requirements and relationships to the luminous environments as illustrated by airports, a building type that has unique and challenging daylighting conditions because of widely varied occupant types and peak hours of operation aligning with low (early-morning and late-afternoon) sun angles. The contribution of this research is the synthesis of examples from professional analyses of airport daylighting design that serve to highlight potential benefits and challenges associated with the complex interactions of occupants with daylight in airports and other places. Findings suggest that trades-off frequently occur within the luminous environment of airports across the wide assortment of occupant types. Findings also suggest that such challenges can affect the energy efficiency in the large and varied spaces of airports.
The historic reliance on fossil fuels as a primary energy source has made combating climate change one of the leading environmental challenges facing society today. Buildings account for 72%, 39%, 38%, and 14% of electricity consumption, energy use, carbon dioxide emissions, and water consumption, respectively [1-2]. Twelve cities have joined the Architecture 2030 District Challenge to aim to achieve 50% reductions in water use, energy consumption, and carbon emissions by the year 2030 [3]. Unique to the Pittsburgh's 2030 District is the inclusion of evaluating and improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Using life cycle assessment (LCA) based models and real-time pollutant monitoring, we aim to quantify the longitudinal impact energy conservation districts (ECD) have on ambient air quality and IAQ. Indoor parameters included within our research study include ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, volatile organic compounds, black carbon, and particulate matter. IAQ assessments have been completed in six representative commercial buildings ranging from LEED Platinum certified to older, building stock, vintage 1900s. Preliminary results suggest significant difference in pollutant concentrations across ventilation functionality, showing a dominant effect on pollutant dilution related to newer buildings having continuous forced air, filtered and then supplied to the workspace through fans and ducts. Older buildings rely on operable windows and window air conditioners for ventilation, which provide minimum filtration and limited manual control of outdoor air intake influenced by plumes of ambient air pollution which vary temporally and spatially, attributable to industrial and traffic sources [4].
Switchable electrochromic glazings employ multilayer devices with a basic resemblance to thin-film electrical batteries and color/bleach upon electrical charging/discharging. The transmittance of visible light and solar energy can be varied reversibly and persistently between widely separated extrema, which makes it possible to regulate solar energy inflow for energy savings as well as visible light level for comfort reasons. This chapter outlines the basics of electrochromic glazing technology and its implementation in buildings. Device designs and component materials are discussed in some detail. Several practical electrochromic glazing designs are introduced with focus on a foil-type construction applicable as a lamination material between glass panes. Electrochromic glazing has been discussed for many years and has many unfulfilled promises; it is argued here that today's developments are likely to change this situation so that electrochromic glazing will be able to take its proper place as an important energy savings and comfort enhancing technology for near-zero-energy building refurbishment as well as for new buildings.
The IEQ + DLCA framework, which integrates indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA) at the whole-building level, was revised and expanded to consider non-chemical health impacts and productivity/performance impacts. The complete framework was evaluated for a case study of a LEED gold rated university building, supplemented with a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) designed to elicit qualitative feedback on IEQ and productivity impacts specific to the building. Most non-chemical health impacts (e.g. sick building syndrome (SBS), asthma) were not able to be included in the framework, due to potential overlaps with chemical-specific impacts already included in LCA. However, productivity impacts were able to be included in the framework for the purpose of comparing different design and operational choices for a given building. Occupants were also asked to evaluate the anticipated effects on their individual productivity due to IEQ changes associated with hypothetical energy-saving strategies. Results of the POE showed occupants were generally satisfied with IEQ, and considered that increasing summer cooling temperature set points would enhance productivity. Energy savings were calculated using an empirical energy and IEQ model calibrated with sensed data from the building. Evaluation of the full IEQ + DLCA framework suggested potentially significant energy savings potential and possible productivity enhancement, but indicated tradeoffs between internal chemical impact categories related to building ventilation, indoor pollutant generation and outdoor pollutant intake. The tradeoffs and overlaps between internal chemical impact categories themselves, as well as between chemical and non-chemical impact categories such as (SBS) are a challenge for LCA of whole buildings.
Electrochromic (EC) smart windows are able to vary their throughput of visible light and solar energy by the application of an electrical voltage and are able to provide energy efficiency and indoor comfort in buildings. Section 1 explains why this technology is important and timely by first outlining today's precarious situation concerning increasing energy use and associated effects on the world's climate, and this section also underscores the great importance of enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings by letting them function more in harmony with the environment—particularly its varying temperature—than is possible with current mainstream technologies. This same chapter also surveys recent work on the energy savings and other benefits that are possible with EC-based technologies. Section 2 then provides some notes on the history of the EC effect and its applications. Section 3 presents a generic design for the oxide-based EC devices that are most in focus for present-day applications and research. This design includes five superimposed layers with a centrally-positioned electrolyte connecting two oxide films—at least one of which having EC properties—and with transparent electrical conductors surrounding the three-layer structure in the middle. It is emphasized that this construction can be viewed as a thin-film electrical battery whose charging state is manifested as optical absorption. Also discussed are six well known hurdles for the implementation of these EC devices, as well as a number of practical constructions of EC-based smart windows. Section 4 is an in-depth discussion of various aspects of EC oxides. It begins with a literature survey for 2007–2013, which updates earlier reviews, and is followed by a general discussion of optical and electronic effects and, specifically, on charge transfer absorption in tungsten oxide. Ionic effects are then treated with foci on the inherent nanoporosity of the important EC oxides and on the possibilities to accomplish further porosity by having suitable thin-film deposition parameters. A number of examples on the importance of the detailed deposition conditions are presented, and Section 4 ends with a presentation of the EC properties of films with compositions across the full tungsten–nickel oxide system. Section 5 is devoted to transparent electrical conductors and electrolytes, both of which are necessary in EC devices. Detailed surveys are given of transparent conductors comprising doped-oxide semiconductors, coinage metals, nanowire meshes and other alternatives, and also of electrolytes based on thin films and on polymers. Particular attention is devoted to electrolyte functionalization by nanoparticles. Section 6 considers one particular device construction: A foil that is suitable for glass lamination and which, in the author's view, holds particular promise for low-cost large-area implementation of EC smart windows. Device data are presented, and a discussion is given of quality assessment by use of 1/f noise. The “battery-type” EC device covered in the major part of this critical review is not the only alternative, and Section 7 consists of brief discussions of a number of more or less advanced alternatives such as metal hydrides, suspended particle devices, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, reversible electroplating, and plasmonic electrochromism based on transparent conducting oxide nanoparticles. Finally, Section 8 provides a brief summary and outlook. The aim of this critical review is not only to paint a picture of the state-of-the-art for electrochromics and its applications in smart windows, but also to provide ample references to current literature of particular relevance and thereby, hopefully, an easy entrance to the research field.
This work analyses architectural lighting as an element of brand communication. The lighting is comprehended as the message of a sender, which has an impact on the appearance of architecture. In the context of experiments and case studies, the effects of lighting on the appearance will be examined for a neutral space and for interiors and exteriors in the retail and service sectors. Illuminance, luminance distribution, as well as the light spectrum and dynamic serve as independent variables of lighting. A model for the brand personality with the four factors of temperament, competence, attractiveness and naturalness will be drawn upon for the appearance as an independent variable, as well as a sociological model with the two factors of style and price for social milieus. The experiments are carried out in real space and using light simulations. The results provide correlations between the perception of brightness, contrast, colour temperature and colourfulness and the factors for the two models relating to the appearance. In individual cases models exist for predicting the appearance on the basis of the subjective evaluation of light. This work documents significant differences for both models with respect to the appearance due to an alteration of the light physics parameters of luminous intensity distribution and light spectrum. The economic analysis of the experiments did not result in any significant correlations between higher investment or operating costs and a correspondingly higher subjective price impression of the various lighting situations. Case studies on design guidelines for lighting prove the various lighting design and lighting technology strategies, as well as the processes in business practice. The semiotic analysis of case studies considers architectural lighting as symbol, the properties of the appearance as the object and the consumer as the interpretant, and discusses strengths and weaknesses in communication. In this way, the work produces a differentiated connection between architecture, lighting and marketing.
A framework was developed for integrating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) into life cycle assessment (LCA). The framework was explored using a university building as a case study. Results showed that including IEQ aspects in whole-building LCA revealed internal impacts at least as high or higher than external impacts. For human health respiratory effects, building-specific indoor impacts from the case study were 50% higher than general impacts in conventional LCA. Tradeoffs and synergies with traditional LCA impact categories appear to result mainly from differences in energy consumption relating to different IEQ parameters such as ventilation and filtration.
In this paper, we present two decentralized algorithms that aim to achieve uniform lighting across the floor of an experimental testbed under a variety of challenges, including cross-illumination effects and external light disturbances. These challenges cause over-illuminations in the environment that result in a waste of energy and discomfort to the occupants. First, a decentralized integral control approach that does not have any communication between the lights is developed and applied to the system. Due to its failure in achieving uniform lighting when the cross-illumination effects are maximized, a new decentralized method called the illumination balancing algorithm (IBA) is developed that takes the local light levels into account when adjusting the light voltages. The stability analysis of the IBA for the full height partitions case of the testbed is shown as well as the regulation problem results where the algorithm successfully balances the illuminations and hence achieves uniform lighting. In order to track a desired light level across the zones, the IBA is augmented with an integral control at an arbitrarily selected control loop. This combined algorithm achieved successful control even in a case where the decentralized integral control failed.
A framework was developed for integrating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) into life cycle assessment (LCA). The framework includes three main impact types: 1) chemical-specific impacts directly comparable to conventional life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) human health categories, 2) non-chemical health impacts, and 3) productivity/performance impacts. The first part of the framework related to contaminant specific impacts was explored using a green university building as a case study, while the remaining categories will be the subject of future work. Results showed that including IEQ aspects in whole-building LCA revealed LCIA internal impacts in some categories comparable to external impacts. For human health respiratory effects, building-specific indoor impacts from the case study were 12% of global external impacts in conventional LCA. Building-specific indoor cancer toxicity impacts were greater than external impacts by an order of magnitude, and building-specific indoor noncancer toxicity impacts were lower than external impacts by an order of magnitude. Although internal impacts were greater than external impacts in one category – cancer toxicity, the source of the contamination in the other two categories – respiratory effects and noncancer toxicity – was related to intake of outdoor air. The findings of this study underscore the importance of filtration or other treatment of mechanically supplied outdoor or recirculated indoor air, as well as control of pollution from indoor sources such as building materials or cleaning products. These findings may support the use of green building rating systems which include acknowledgment of the aforementioned IEQ-related features.
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