Daylighting and Its Impact on Depth Perception in a Daylit Space

Visual perception within a daylit environment changes according to spatiality, sky conditions, time, and the point of observation. This paper focuses on the complex interrelationships among the architectural configuration of skylights, luminance distribution patterns resulting from changing sky conditions, and the perception of spatial depth. This study employed lighting simulation techniques that incorporate physically based rendering and perceptually based tone mapping to generate a pictorial environment. Daylighting conditions were parametrically changed and psychophysical experiments were conducted to measure the perception of distance to visual targets within architectural scenes illuminated by various daylighting conditions. Results reveal that perceived distance to visual targets increases with a decrease in the luminance contrast between the target and background. This paper concludes that variations in luminance within a space influence perceptions of spatial depth, providing the possibility of enriching the experience of architectural scenes through the incorporation of daylighting in design strategies.