Between ClimateStudio simulations and reality – a study of glare in complex lighting workplace environments

A well-designed lighting environment is crucial for office comfort and performance, yet complex lighting can lead to glare and uneven illumination. This study evaluates the accuracy of ClimateStudio by comparing simulations with on-site measurements in two open-space offices. Result shows good accuracy of natural light simulations, while the accuracy of artificial light simulations is low. Illuminance levels meet standards, and glare analysis remains limited to daylight and excludes reflected glare. This study highlights the need for refinements in several areas, including the simulation of artificial lighting, glare analysis, and the optimization of configuration settings such as sky models and material properties. These enhancements would significantly improve ClimateStudio's accuracy and reliability, thereby establishing it as a more robust and practical simulation tool for glare control in both design and POE phases.