Glare from daylighting in buildings
1Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London.
Applied Ergonomics
|December 1, 1972
Summary
Glare from windows, especially the bright sky, causes discomfort and fatigue. Reducing window sky view and increasing room brightness can mitigate this visual annoyance.
Area of Science:
- Building science
- Environmental psychology
- Human factors engineering
Background:
- Glare from direct sky view through windows causes visual discomfort and fatigue.
- Both disabling and annoying effects of glare have been documented.
- Understanding glare is crucial for optimizing indoor environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent conclusions on the causes and effects of glare.
- To identify key parameters influencing glare.
- To propose methods for glare reduction and control.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of glare as a function of window size, sky brightness, and interior room brightness.
- Review of laboratory studies on glare effects.
- Development of a computable Glare Index.
Main Results:
- Glare is directly proportional to window size and sky brightness.
- Glare is inversely proportional to interior room brightness.
- Glare can be reduced by decreasing the visible sky area and increasing interior reflectance.
Conclusions:
- Glare can be effectively managed by controlling window-to-sky luminance ratios and interior surface reflectance.
- A Glare Index can be computed to quantify and control glare levels.
- Codified Glare Index values can ensure acceptable tolerance limits for visual comfort.
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