A new method for visualizing and evaluating views in architectural design

• Main Authors: Wenting Li, Holly Samuelson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-02-01
• Series: Developments in the Built Environment
• Subjects: Window design tool; Fenestration; View visualization; Architecture metric; Parametric design workflow
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666165920300016

In buildings, good views to the exterior can provide positive psychological benefits and are often one of the most appreciated aspects of an interior space. However, the existing architectural design workflow fails to take view into consideration during the early design stages. This research provides two innovative outputs: first, a method to visualize and quantitatively evaluate real, photographic views from existing or prospective buildings and, second, a window design workflow to help architects evaluate view simultaneously along with the results of daylight and energy simulations. A “View Score” is calculated, in part, via a weighted average of view area and user’s view preferences. The method could also help real estate professionals to show or valuate views for prospective buyers of unbuilt units. The application of this workflow is tested in one case study in Cambridge, MA.