This presentation introduces a workflow and guidelines for glare-based selection of shade properties for different locations and orientations. State-of-the-art daylight modeling is employed to compute direct and diffuse light transmission through shading fabrics using the 5 Phase Method plus a peak extraction algorithm for the specular component. Isotropic analytical BSDF datasets that describe direct-direct and direct-diffuse transmission through fabrics are generated based on Roos-Wienold and Modified-Kotey model. The annual visual discomfort frequency, computed from image based DGP analysis throughout a year, is parameterized by listed shade properties (openness factor=OF and visible transmittance=VT) for practical relevance. OF-VT two-dimensional charts are used to graphically present the recommended range of shade properties which do not cause glare for more than 5% of occupied hours over a year at any specific location and orientation.

We identified the sources of errors in isotropic analytical BSDF datasets which were found to be related to an underestimation of diffuse transmission; we then addressed those errors by applying adjustments on selections of cut-off angles and predicted results to limit the difference in annual visual discomfort frequency estimated with measured BSDFs and analytical models. With a limited number of measured BSDF datasets, the upper bounds of shade properties are initially generated based on analytical models with properly selected cut-off angles. These are interpolated and corrected based on the results of limited measured BSDFs available.

We discuss errors in analytical models for modeling optical properties of fabric shades and their impact on shade selections at different locations; the sensitivity of maximum shade properties due to a change in glare criteria; the impact of the peak extraction algorithm and image resolution; the impact of room and window size on maximum shade properties. Finally, the differences with glare classes defined in EN 14501 are presented, as well as the need for the climate-based selection of shade properties.

Biophilic Design, connecting people with nature, offers physical and mental health benefits, though quantifying them remains challenging. Plants are central to this approach, while light is pivotal for indoor plant growth, requiring strict adherence to recommended radiation levels. In the case study, a skylight was introduced to a large atrium to infuse daylight into the indoor garden. The study metric was Daily Light Integral (DLI), measured in mol/m2/day, assessed the skylight's solar radiation provision to selected plants by calculating the total photosynthetically active radiation accumulated over one day. By simulating DLI across typical months and comparing it with various plant requirements, the design team evaluates the skylight's contribution to indoor garden’s vegetation growth. The biophilic design’s benefit can be measured through this type of daylight simulation and guide the skylight design optimization.

Daylighting (the art and science of designing with daylight) is arguably the most architecturally oriented of all elements of building performance and building performance simulations. Optimizing daylight has to be done mostly through architectural means such as vertical glazing and skylights but also through optimized shading, window geometries, translucency/transparency and the reflectance of surfaces. Daylighting technology has advanced in leap and bounds over the last ten years, outpacing others such as energy, CFD, and carbon. In this panel, we will discuss the state of the art of daylighting and its latest advances in software, the synergies with other aspects of building performance such as energy and carbon, how younger generations are taught about it, the challenges it faces, and the future of daylighting design as a field.