Towards a novel prediction model for visual interest in daylit renderings

In spaces where daylight is a primary source of illumination, our visual perception of architecture is largely influenced by the ephemeral composition of sunlight and shadow. To evaluate these perceptual effects, the authors will apply quantitative contrast measures to HDR renderings for a series of existing contemporary architectural spaces under variable sunlight conditions. These measures will then be compared to subjective ratings of visual interest, collected through an online survey designed to test the influence of spatial and temporal parameters. The objectives of this study assess the impact of sunlight dynamics on subjective ratings of daylit architectural renderings and compare the relationship between these subjective ratings and existing quantitative measures. The results show that one modified local measures can be used to predict factors of visual interest in daylit renderings. When applied through an annual simulation-based approach, this novel metric reveals human perceptual responses to dynamic daylight conditions.