Image-based daylighting design tool

Prof. Marilyne Andersen, Prof. Julie Dorsey (University of Yale), Dr. Barbara Cutler (Computer Graphics, MIT)

An interactive simulation tool meant to help architects and designers in optimizing the integration of daylighting already in the early stages of their project is being developed.

The tool will allow implementing advanced fenestration systems as well as standard windows. The idea is to propose a strong and high-quality image-based output as well as an interface suitable to the architects needs and habits, which calls for extensive inter-disciplinary collaboration as it involves, amongst others, computer graphics, architecture and radiative exchanges issues. To increase the impact of such a tool, a special effort will be dedicated to the visual representation of the light distribution, both in a dynamic and intuitive way, and to the quality of the feedback provided to the user about his project: this feedback shall not be based on a trial and error procedure but on a generative approach starting from an aim and leading to an adequate daylighting proposal.

This tool will focus on providing large exploratory possibilities to the architect at early design stages of his/her project, and both quantitative and qualitative ways to support him/her in his/her design process.