Shading systems

Adaptive shading devices offer architects a range of opportunities. These devices not only contribute to unique features and characteristics in building envelopes but, with appropriate design and principled implementation, also enhance visual conditions in interior spaces by providing sufficient levels of daylighting and improving visual comfort. Additionally, they reduce lighting energy consumption in buildings. This study examines four types of adaptive shading systems designed to optimize daylighting and visual comfort. Using a multi-objective optimization approach, various configurations of these systems are examined within the context of a reference office model to achieve a balance between the discussed objectives. For each season, the design alternatives with the highest fitness scores are identified. The findings highlight the relative advantages of horizontal louvers and horizontal sun-breakers over other shading devices. These two adaptive systems provide the reference model with satisfactory daylighting levels (i.e., ). Furthermore, regarding glare reduction, full visual comfort is achieved in spring and summer. In fall and winter, when sunlight entering through the southern façade is likely to produce glare, visual comfort is improved by approximately 43% compared to the base case.