The calculation of field-of-view luminance based metrics for visual discomfort from glare evaluation in real scenes via HDR (High Dynamic Range) luminance capture does generally require the use of wide view fisheye lenses. This paper presents an easy to implement and low-cost method to estimate a fisheye lens’ total field-of view and projection method, which is required for accurate glare evaluations.

The objective of the present study was to find how well a group of selected luminance-based metrics predict reported visual discomfort from daylight glare in spatial conditions that differ from the conditions where metrics tend to developed and validated for. An empirical study involving the assessment of visual discomfort from glare by n=50 subjects (n=185 cases) in a daylit-only classroom space was carried out to investigate this problem. It was found that the glare indexes were the most robust metrics predicting reported glare. However, as all metrics failed most of the statistical tests in the near-wall zone of the classroom, it can be said that none of the metrics was able to predict with enough accuracy the glare reported across the space. Indeed, the metrics show a very poor performance in the sitting positions away from the window, an aspect that requires further investigation.

Innovatieve software komt regelmatig op de markt, maar Rhinoceros-Grasshopper heeft een compleet nieuwe wereld aan mogelijkheden ontsloten. Ook voor de bouwfysicus is dit zeer relevant. Doordat gebruik wordt gemaakt van een intuïtieve, parametrische en grafische programmeertaal, kunnen complexe geometrische problemen zeer snel worden gemodelleerd en opgelost. Dit artikel beschrijft een bouwfysisch probleem dat in de ontwerpfase al voorkomen had kunnen worden door het snel en effectief door te rekenen met deze tool.

This paper reports on a pilot experiment to test the applicability of a group of metrics to the prediction of visual discomfort in a daylit classroom environment. In particular, if the position in relation to the window has an impact in the way visual discomfort from glare is reported, and if the metrics predict that discomfort accordingly. Subjects (N=21) performed a typical classroom task in four different positions in a classroom and were asked to rate visual discomfort from glare via a questionnaire at the same time that luminance measurements were collected. Daylight Glare Probability (DGP) provided the best agreement with the reported glare overall, but the ratio between the maximum luminance to mean task luminance of 30:1 in the 172º field-of-view depicted most of the reported discomfort votes. The results show that glare is reported for situations of low vertical eye illuminance, as also found in previous studies.

This paper discusses the effects of urban design and meteorological parameters on thermal comfort for pedestrians at street level. A comparison of different urban modifications allows an objective assessment of the effectiveness of climate adaptation measures. Because, these results are based on different measurement and modelling methods, they are given in various comfort indicators and studied in a specific urban context, climate and weather condition. This study presents the relative effects of design measures based on identical input parameters and one simulation method using the high resolution three-dimensional model ENVI-met and the thermal comfort index physiological equivalent temperature (PET).

Climate change will lead to more warm and hot days in the Netherlands. Climate adaptation measures are needed to reduce the vulnerability of urban areas. Moreover, proven adaptation measures, such as increased vegetated areas or water surfaces, are not always possible due to a lack of space or undesired aesthetic effects. An alternative option is to make use of coloured façades to create drafts and accelerate wind speed in a street canyon or on a square to attract fresh air from cooler places. Differences in colour and material types already influence the air flow in street canyons in an uncontrolled manner. If this thermal comfort principle can be implemented, it will potentially have a significant impact on many cities throughout the world. This paper presents the results of a first exploratory research based on measurements on scale models and at full scale. This pilot study indicates success of the intended draft principle, advocating further research.

The ‘LIGHTVAN’ research aims to optimize the lighting design for healthy schools and modern senior housing and care homes with regards to the use of light as a cheap and important source of energy A multi-functional mobile light laboratory was built into a delivery van, the LIGHTVAN. This LIGHTVAN has two clear aims: With this mobile light laboratory we can travel to the living environment of specific groups of people, such as children and seniors, so that they may be subject to specific age-dependent light studies. In this moving laboratory measurement equipment is present for this purpose and a table and chairs for the various subjects. Testing of luminance and color contrasts are possible, as well as the testing of “light and shadow” patterns. Even small eye tests can be performed. In addition, the rear side of the delivery van is adapted so that with opened doors all kinds of innovative facades can be tested. The LIGHTVAN travel to different locations to be accommodated and be positioned towards various sun directions. Several passe-partouts are available for building physics measurements of different facades sizes in order to allow test-subjects to indicate their preferences for specific facades in terms of comfort.

The study presented in this paper is part of a PhD research titled 'Comfortable and Healthy Urban Environments'. This PhD research aims at gaining insight into the relationship between building densities, building patterns, building types on the one hand and the main aspects of the physical urban climate on the other hand: penetration of daylight, solar irradiation of façades and outdoor spaces, wind, air temperature, air quality and (traffic) noise. The research focuses on the first stages of urban design since the decisions regarding urban geometry in those early stages are of great influence on the urban climate in the final design. The urban tissue is therefore reduced to its basic geometries. In this way the conditions for the outdoor climate as well as the base conditions for the indoor climate (at the position of the façade) can be studied. This paper reports on studies into daylight and wind comfort aspects. The research shows that building densities have quite an influence on daylight access and the wind climate within the street. Within a fixed density the choice of building type also has a significant influence.