Uncertainty in daylight simulations of algorithmically generated complex shading screens

The combination of Climate-Based Daylight Modeling simulation techniques with advanced algorithmic design approaches allows designers to analyze and optimize the annual daylight performance of sophisticated facade systems. This work investigates the ability of the 2-phase method and of a recent path-tracing algorithm available through Climate Studio in predicting Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) of complex shading devices. Using a parametric model of a weaved architectural screen, we conducted a detailed sensitivity analysis that examines both the impact of simulation parameters and geometric description of daylight analytical models in sDA calculation. The results confirmed that the 2-phase method is more susceptible to specific simulation parameters than to geometric level-of-detail. However, combining high-quality simulation parameters with geometric detail is recommended when a very high degree of control and precision is required. On the other hand, the cacheless path-tracing algorithm used in Climate Studio is quite robust in quickly deliver consistent sDA calculations, and therefore, more suitable to guide automated optimization search processes.