The design information provided described glass elements that may create potential reflections from the facade under certain conditions upon the vehicle drivers with the potential to affect the operational highway in the vicinity.
challenge
The risk of glare to vehicle drivers could be created from reflections from the glass and cladding elements affecting the adjacent highway and could affect the ability to read traffic signals, other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians without interruption or distraction.
We approached this complex problem by engaging our Partners, Arup, and using a software-based methodology we adopted for the rail industry that was endorsed and seen as best practice and trialled it for this highway issue to identify the level of risk.
solution
Using data gathered from an initial desktop study, a 360-degree sun path analysis showing the buildings at each solstice / equinox and surrounded track in the vicinity was produced. This would ascertain the extent of the façade surface that may create sunlight reflections onto track (if any) and establish the extent of drivers views that may be affected commencing with the modelling of the winter and summer solstice (highest and lowest points of the sun) and certain points in between.
The creation of a Radiance software 3D sunlight simulation model based on the Architect’s 3D model and Highway alignment data was created and tested successfully.