Development of a Daylight Simulation Software for Early Design Stage: A Case Study of a Container House

Abstract

Daylight simulation software play a significant role in decision-making during the architectural design process. These software enable architects to make informed decisions about daylight performance in the early phases of the project. Radiance as a simulation engine provides a physically accurate model of the lighting conditions in the scene, thus capable of achieving a high degree of accuracy and validity. However, with a command line interface, it requires a large number of input parameters, which complicates modelling and restricts flexibility. When integrated in the early design process, this approach becomes less efficient, or requires enormous computation time. This paper introduces a daylight simulation software named DaylightX that uses the backward raytracing algorithm implemented on the GPU to calculate the spatial distribution of daylight across the space. The tool aims to enhance the capabilities of the simulation environments through a user-friendly interface and thus allow for flexibility in the design process. An individual residential unit - a shipping container - was used as a base case for evaluation. The modular design of shipping containers allows for flexibility in window placement and orientation, but requires careful design and implementation from daylight performance perspective. The results of the study can serve to improve the daylight performance of container housing units.