Definition of a reference office for standardized evaluations of dynamic façade and lighting technologies

This paper proposes a modeling and analysis convention for a side- and/or toplit space called the ‘reference office’. The reference office is meant to act as a baseline for comparative analyses of different façade and/or electric lighting technologies and may be used in research (facilitating the comparison of results from multiple studies) in practice (for product rating) as well as in architectural education (enabling students to contrast their design ideas to a set of standard design solutions). The reference office represents a somewhat typical ‘shoebox’ model as is commonly used for conceptual design explorations. Interior walls are adiabatic allowing the user to concentrate on the thermal impact of various façade technologies. The shoebox is comparatively ‘deep’, more than three times the window head height, so that the impact of light redirecting façade technologies and shading control strategies can be resolved. Venetian blinds are manually controlled to avoid discomfort glare throughout the office. As a proof of concept a window-to-wall ratio (WWR) study of daylight availability, occupant comfort and operational energy use in the reference model is presented using Radiance/DAYSIM simulations in combination with EnergyPlus. The study suggests that for Boston a preferred South facing WWR is 40%.