The effect of coated glazing on visual perception: A pilot study using scaleamodels

A pilot study for investigating the effect of six coated glazing materials on visual perception of the interior and of the view out in scaled rooms is presented. The study, which involved 18 subjects, is carried out in Hørsholm (Denmark, lat. 55.4°N), under overcast skies and a north orientation. The methodology involves subjective ratings using a questionnaire and seven grade bipolar scales. The results of the statistical analysis (ANOVA) show that despite significant amplitude in daylight transmittance (50%—79%), the glazing type did not have any statistically significant effect on the perception of the sharpness of shadows in the room. It is also found that higher transmittance glazing (77%—79%) resulted in views that are more glaring compared with the views obtained with the other glazing types. In terms of light level, the reference glazing (which contained an iron-free pane) results in statistically significant differences in the ratings (brighter room) compared with the ratings from all glazing types, including glazing types of similar transmittance. Finally, it is found that higher transmittance glazing types result in more positive ratings for factors, such as naturalness, beauty, and pleasantness and sharpness.