Energy efficiency vs subjective comfort: a multiobjective optimisation method under uncertainty

A multiobjective optimisation methodology is proposed to optimise building design against both physical performance (such as energy efficiency) and psychophysical performance (such as occupant comfort). The originality of the method is 1) the integration of subjective data obtained from psychophysical tests in multiobjective optimisation method and 2) the management of uncertainties inherent to subjective data through a Monte Carlo process. The methodology was developed through a case study of office lighting optimisation. Psychovisual tests were performed from computer generated images obtained using a light transport simulation package.