Architecture Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
A Post Occupancy Evaluation of daylight performance in classrooms at River Road Elementary School for Optimal Visual Comfort in Climate Zone 4C.
(University of Oregon, 2022-10-26) Alitema, Sharon; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Daylight is a multifaceted phenomenon that influences occupant comfort through its dynamic visual attributes. In an exploratory study conducted at River Road Elementary school, classrooms facing north, and south are selected for visual comfort analysis. Semi-structured interviews and simulations are conducted to determine the subjective perceptions of visual comfort. While the interviews examine the teachers' perception/behavior, the simulations explore and assess selected architectural parameters that affect daylight-driven circadian lighting in the classrooms. A key and follow-up question are explored: (1) How does the post-occupancy adaptation of classrooms performed by the teachers affect their visual comfort needs during teaching hours? (2) Is there a significant discrepancy between the design and perceived illuminance levels in the North and South-facing classrooms? The key findings indicated that: (1) there is a low level of satisfaction with the perceived illuminance during teaching hours, (2) the adaptations minimized the potential for daylight to provide circadian entrainment, and in conclusion, (3) the overall pattern of visual and biological responses to light raise relevant design questions regarding perceived brightness, control, and space. To attain visually desirable environments, designers must understand daylighting strategies, shading, and the corresponding perceptions of comfort, as there can be implications on the levels of control and view quality from the window apertures.
Embargo
Comparing Environmental Performance and Indoor Comfort of LEED(TM) certified and Conventional Schools in Houston, Texas
(University of Oregon, 2016-10-27) Dhar, Tanvi; Elzeyadi, Ihab
LEED(TM) for schools was introduced in response to research that showed the influence of classroom environment on energy savings and students’ performance. There is however a need to investigate the relationship between credits achieved by the LEED(TM) for schools rating system and its impact on building performance. This study quantifies and analyzes resource consumption and indoor comfort of two LEED(TM) certified elementary schools in Houston, Texas by comparing them to their conventional counterparts. Year-long metered data for 2015 was analyzed for resource consumption. Indoor comfort was analyzed by recording visual and thermal comfort metrics for a north and south oriented classroom in each school. Both LEED(TM) schools had greater energy savings and better visual comfort as compared to the non-LEED schools. However, the water consumption savings and thermal comfort varied by school. Also, the LEED(TM) Gold School didn’t exhibit higher energy and water consumption savings than the LEED(TM) Silver School.
Open Access
HIDE & SEEK: Thermal Alliesthesia inside Solar Screened Perimeter Offices
(University of Oregon, 2021-09-13) Naik, Niyati; Elzeyadi, Ihab
It is the need of the day to design indoor environments that are not only comfortable but also pleasurable for the occupants. Passive yet dynamic architectural strategies have been widely acknowledged for their influence on thermal pleasure. However, this influence has not been adequately investigated. Dynamic solar screens of building facades are passive strategies that can potentially provide thermal comfort and pleasure. This dissertation research explored thermal pleasure in office spaces using dynamic solar screens as the tools to control the indoor environments. The study responds to these questions, (i) what typologies of dynamic solar screens are the most suitable in controlling indoor thermal environments for thermal pleasure? (ii) how to design dynamic solar screens for thermal pleasure? (iii) what is the relationship of thermal pleasure with indoor thermal environmental parameters and human physiological variables inside dynamic-movable and static-stationary screened spaces? (iv) what is the impact of sky conditions on thermal pleasure inside dynamic and static screened spaces, and (v) what is the significance of dynamic over static screens in influencing thermal pleasure under different sky conditions? The research employed a multi-method approach of five inter-related studies, as follows: (i) meta-analysis of solar screen performance from previous studies, (ii) observational field study, (ii) computational simulations, (iii) indoor environmental monitoring, and (iv) within and between-subjects experiments involving human participants inside the experimental perimeter offices with dynamic and static screen shading. It was found that the dynamic screens, designed to create variability in the indoor thermal environment within the limits of the thermal comfort zone may influence thermal pleasure. The findings provide experimental evidence that expands the application of the thermal alliesthesia framework to building perimeter offices. They demonstrate the importance of indoor thermal environmental variability for occupant pleasure and well-being. This research contributes to occupant-centric building research by describing an approach to design shading systems that cater to occupant’s thermal pleasure and multi-comfort. This work will be of interest to scholars, architects, building designers, engineers, and students interested in research on thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality, adaptive shading, and passive architecture. This dissertation includes previously published/unpublished material.
Open Access
Investigating Occupant’s Visual Comfort and Visual Interest towards Sunlight Patterns in Daylit Offices
(University of Oregon, 2018-09-06) Abboushi, Belal; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Sunlight is a multidimensional phenomenon that influences occupant’s comfort and well-being through its dynamic visual and thermal attributes. Previous studies suggested that the presence of sunlight patterns in space was cheering and visually interesting, which could improve visual comfort and space quality. However, it remains unclear what the attributes of visually interesting sunlight patterns are, and whether their visual interest influences visual comfort. This dissertation aims to answer three main questions: (1) is there a difference in visual interest and mood response among different projected light patterns? (2) How do sunlight patterns of different geometries influence visual interest and visual comfort in offices? And (3) what are the geometrical attributes of sunlight patterns that should be implemented in office spaces? To address these questions, a series of four studies were conducted. The first two studies extended empirical findings on visual interest and mood responses elicited by varying complexities of fractal and non-fractal light patterns projected on walls and floors of an interior space. These two studies determined which patterns to be further examined in Studies 3 and 4, which investigated the visual comfort, visual interest of sunlight patterns, and view quality under three different window conditions in office spaces. The results of studies 1 and 2 suggested that fractal light patterns of medium to medium-high complexity, quantified by the fractal dimension in the range (D=1.5-1.7), were significantly more visually interesting than other patterns. Both studies found that fractal compared to non-fractal light patterns provided a better balance between relaxation and excitement. Study 3 found that the fractal pattern was associated with a significant increase in visual comfort, compared to the striped pattern, though the difference in visual interest between the two patterns was not statistically significant. Study 4 found that the effect of the fractal pattern on visual comfort, visual interest of sunlight patterns, and view quality was dependent on occupant’s view direction and façade orientation. These findings can have implications for the design and control of facade systems to improve occupant’s visual comfort, interest, and view quality in work environments. This dissertation includes both previously published/unpublished and co-authored material.
Open Access
Nine to Five: Design for Chronobiological Aspects of the Indoor Environment
(University of Oregon, 2021-11-23) Al Awadh, Sadiqa; Elzeyadi, Ihab
We spend more than 90% of our time indoors. In office work environments, occupants are often seated in the same workstation for a prolonged period of time. If they do not receive the recommended quantity and quality of light or access to windows, this will be reflected in their decreased wellbeing, satisfaction, and productivity. This dissertation investigates the metrics, benchmarks, and tools that could test parameters that influence the availability of daylight and access to windows in buildings. It looks at both photopic light (illuminance, lux) for visual task needs as well as melanopic light (equivalent melanopic lux, EML) that triggers alertness levels and affects circadian entrainment for occupant health and wellbeing. The overarching question asked is whether glazing tints, office floor plates, or office indoor layouts more influential as architectural parameters that enhance or diminish the availability of daylight. To answer this question, fifty office buildings with various forms and interior layouts were simulated in both lighting analyses and isovist software to bridge both lighting design and interior design space syntax fields together. For experimental purposes, the parameters were constrained to limit the variables under study. The preliminary pilot studies tested the fixed parameters to be used for the lighting simulation conditions for all fifty office buildings: clear glazing, 2 storey height building context, location Portland, OR, climate zone 4C, overcast sky conditions, simulation time 9 am, 12 pm and 3 pm. The simulation results highlight the impact of a small glazing tint choice that can deteriorate daylighting conditions by up to 82%. The major findings indicate shape factor was the strongest indicator of a building’s form for circadian potential. By calculating a building’s shape factor and conducting a point isovist analysis to obtain the isovist measures (AP ratio, compactness, and occlusivity) for a specific view, a multiple linear regression model equation was derived to calculate whether the occupant seating position and view meets EML benchmarks. This research is a response to the need for awareness of the importance of lighting indoor environmental quality and occupant wellbeing by testing and providing quick rules of thumb and accessible simulation methods.
Open Access
Quantifying Adaptive Behavioral Responses to Discomfort Glare - A Comparative Analysis of Daylit Offices
(University of Oregon, 2015-08-18) O'Neil, Shane; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Discomfort glare from daylight is among the most common issues in commercial offices and has been shown to negatively impact productivity, comfort, and well-being. While occupants' adaptive behavioral responses to discomfort glare can significantly alter both the energy use profile and indoor environmental quality of a workspace, little is know about the specific relationship between the environment in which discomfort glare is perceived and the subsequent behavioral response to it. This study proposes a new Glare Response Sensitivity index to evaluate the relationship between environmental parameters and behavioral outcomes in a daylit commercial office building. The results of this study show through a parametric analysis that perceptual sensitivity mediates the relationship between environmental lighting conditions and controls use behaviors. Further, the results suggest that spatial factors including office type and level of control over the environment may affect the likelihood of active lighting controls use behaviors in daylit buildings.
Open Access
Quantifying Environmental Performance of Jali Screen Façades for Contemporary Buildings in Lahore Pakistan
(University of Oregon, 2014-06-17) Batool, Ayesha; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Jali screens are traditional window treatments in vernacular buildings throughout South Asia and the Middle East. Contemporary builders are starting to incorporate Jali screens as decorative façade elements; however, architects and scholars have largely ignored the impact of Jali screens on overall building energy and day-lighting performance. This research evaluates the effect of Jali screens, across a range of perforation ratios, on energy utilization and day-lighting quality in contemporary office buildings. The data collection and analysis is through fieldwork in Lahore, Pakistan, as well as through computational energy modeling. Results demonstrate that Jali screens have a promising positive impact on cooling loads and may improve visual comfort. The findings suggest a holistic perspective combining traditional architecture and performance enhancement by architects and designers.
Open Access
THE IMPACT OF HUMAN-CENTRIC LIGHTING PARAMETERS ON OLDER ADULT’S PERCEPTION, AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
(University of Oregon, 2024-01-09) Golshany, Nasrin; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Population aging is a prominent demographic challenge. Older adults face increased risks of sleep dysfunctions, depression, and cognitive impairments due to physical, biological, and psychological factors associated with aging. These behavioral issues elevate safety risks at home, which necessitates the transition to assisted living facilities. Extensive research highlights the influence of healthcare environmental design, particularly related to architectural lighting impacts on residents' well-being and quality of life. To optimize older adults' health and well-being, it is essential to consider both the visual and non-visual effects of architectural lighting. Visual impacts include parameters related to task performance and visual acuity, while non-visual impacts may include outcomes such as circadian rhythm regulation, sleep quality, mood enhancement, and cognitive performance, thereby emphasizing the importance of implementing a holistic conceptual approach to human-centric lighting in indoor environments.While existing gerontology studies have primarily focused on light-level attributes, such as radiant flux, illuminance, and equivalent melanopic lux, there has been limited exploration of spectral and spatial pattern parameters in indoor lighting. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of both quantitative and qualitative aspects of lighting design, including spatial layout characteristics such as uniformity, direction, centrality, and spectral attributes like correlated color temperature (CCT), on the visual perception, preference, mood, cognitive performance, and overall well-being of older adults in assisted living facilities. The study employed a multi-method approach across three main research phases. In phase I, a Q-sort survey involving 60 participants assessed the impact of diverse spatial light patterns on visual perception and preference. In phase II, a within-subject design evaluated the cognitive performance of 32 older adults in similar lighting scenarios within real and virtual environments. Lastly, in phase III, the study examined the relationship between spatial and spectral light patterns and cognitive performance through virtual reality testing with 32 participants. Results revealed significant effects of different spatial light patterns on older adults' environmental impressions, including visual preference, stress levels, and cognitive performance. Uniform and indirect lighting were preferred, with no substantial differences between peripheral and central spatial arrangements of light layers. Non-uniform lighting induced a relaxed impression, while uniform lighting heightened perceived stress. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the suitability of virtual reality environments (VR) for assessing cognitive performance and subjective perception. The findings underscore the substantial influence of spatial and spectral light patterns on the cognitive performance of older adults in assisted living facilities. This research contributes to the understanding of the visual and non-visual effects of human-centric lighting on the well-being of older adults. By considering spatial and spectral light attributes, designers can enhance cognitive function, reduce impairments, and cultivate healthier and more efficient living environments.
Open Access
The impacts of dynamic solar screens on energy performance and natural ventilation effectiveness in office buildings via cfd simulation under different climatic condition
(University of Oregon, 2022-10-04) Mohajerzadeh, Zia; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Architects and designers are increasingly interested in employing dynamic façades in contemporary office buildings. One of the dynamic facade types, which is widely used is a solar screen and they affect the indoor environment. This study evaluates the effect of a solar screen across a range of perforation ratios and its distance to the building on energy utilization, natural ventilation, indoor air temperature, and CO2 concentration in contemporary office buildings. Results demonstrate that dynamic solar screens have a promising positive impact on reducing energy consumption while improving indoor air quality. When these screens are in a closed state, they can reduce indoor air temperature up to 1°C and reduce energy consumption up to 60% in their most optimized state. Furthermore, the study’s results show that the dynamic solar screens impact airflow inside the office space based on their different states (open, semi-open, or closed).
Open Access
The Visual Preference, Aesthetic Judgement, and Mood Response to Human-Centric Lighting in Office Spaces
(University of Oregon, 2022-10-26) Qin, Dan; Elzeyadi, Ihab
Architectural lighting is a significant visual stimulus that impacts the occupants' moods and aesthetic experiences within the office environment. Previous literature suggests that the good quality of architectural lighting is considered an important factor that contributes to the visual aesthetic experience of an environment through psychological mechanisms. Lighting uniformity, luminance distribution, and direct/indirect lighting have been discussed in other studies, but lighting spatial patterns are unclear. In particular, assessing the combined effects of lighting parameters on human mood and visual aesthetic experience is challenging. Featured film scenes depicting office environments offer convenient material to study the effects of Lighting on occupants' visual perception and mood.This thesis presents the result of an exploratory mixed-method approach to determine how human-centered lighting design affects occupants' mood, visual aesthetic judgment, and visual preferences in open office spaces. Six spatial lighting patterns of open office workstations were analyzed using image content analysis of selected film scenes. The six rendered images were presented to 60 participants via an online survey to determine their preferences, interests, and aesthetic judgments. This research has revealed that two light spatial patterns were significantly preferred among the six lighting spatial patterns. The first lighting spatial pattern (LS-3) that the overall low average luminance environment, equipped with work view region lighting, which also has a higher luminance ratio (R), is visually preferred. In terms of the higher overall average luminance environment (LS-4), people preferred the overall uniform luminance without desk area lighting with a low luminance value (R). The study also indicated that subjects’ aesthetic judgment (mood repones) and the lighting spatial patterns (LS- 3) within lower overall average illuminance and only equipped with diffused pendant lighting and desk area lighting triggered visually felt more pleasant, relaxed, and satisfied.

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