Visual Comfort and Reflection Studies

The use of glass within building design is increasing, particularly for high-rise buildings. However, this can have effects on occupants, pedestrians, motorists and neighboring buildings, through issues relating to reflection and glare. The interrogation of microclimate (in addition to wind turbulence, overshadowing and reflected glare) impacts is requested for all tall buildings within London under Policy 7.7 of the London Plan.

SRE’s inhouse team of energy experts undertake Visual Comfort and Reflection Studies to assess the impact of proposed designs on the occupants and their surroundings whilst also considering the aesthetics of the building. Using Radiance software and parametric analysis tools to model each building in its environment, our specialists work with designers informing their high level decisions at the earliest stages of design.

Visual comfort directly links to other services SRE provides, including Daylight Modelling and has indirect links to Thermal Comfort.