A Web-based Virtual Lighting Simulator

This paper is about a web-based “virtual lighting simulator” that is intended to allow architects and lighting designers to quickly assess the effect of key parameters on the daylighting and lighting performance in various space types. The virtual lighting simulator consists of a web-based interfacethat allows navigation through a large database of images and data, which were generated through parametric lighting simulations. In its current form, the virtual lighting simulator has two main modules,one for daylighting and one for electric lighting.The daylighting module includes images and data for a small office space, varying most key daylighting parameters such as window size and orientation, glazing type, surface reflectance, sky conditions, andtime of the year. The electric lighting module includes images and data for five space types (classroom, small office, large open office, warehouse and small retail), varying key lighting parameters such as the electric lighting system, surface reflectance, and dimming/switching. The computed images include perspectives and plans and are displayed in various formats to support qualitative as well as quantitative assessment. The quantitative information is in the form of iso-contourlines super imposed on the images, as well as false color images and statistical information on workplane illuminance. The qualitative information includes images that are adjusted to account for the sensitivity and adaptation of the human eye. The paper also contains a section on the major technicalissues and their resolution