Optimizing Faceted Loft Shading Modules: A Design Framework for Office Environments

Abstract

Digital tools for estimating interior daylight conditions facilitate the optimization of shading elements, which can also enhance energy efficiency. However, studies often neglect the necessity for these elements to be adaptable in terms of size and form. The use of shading elements designed with complex forms and intricate movements limits their applicability whereas basic forms may still meet all necessary performance requirements. This paper proposes a design framework for shading elements based on modularity and visual comfort within an office environment through single-objective optimization. The geometry chosen for optimization is the open-ended faceted loft, which was adapted to three different office dimensions: 3.2 x 7.6, 4.8 x 6.9, and 12.0 x 13.8 m, all with a floor height of 3.2 m. The design framework was conducted in two phases, focusing on the Scale Factor (SF) and orientation of the lofts as the primary optimization parameters for daylight performance. At first, daylight performance was evaluated using metrics such as Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), Daylight Autonomy (DA), Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) to verify illuminance thresholds. After determining the volume that matched the module and thresholds, the optimization continued to define the specific SF and orientation of the shading modules to optimize glare conditions using Rhino Grasshopper Galapagos evolutionary solver, 10 generations, each featuring 600 analyses, were performed. Upon completion of the 10th generation, results indicated that the Spatial Daylight Glare (sDG) value decreased from 58.1% to 12.9% in the optimized scenario.