Dr. Negar Matin, an Assistant Professor in the Division of Interior Design, recently published an article in the Buildings journal. The article, “A Novel Framework for Optimizing Indoor Illuminance and Discovering Association of Involved Variables,” proposes a double-stage framework for investigating the associations between various design variables affecting the visual performance of responsive façade systems.
The article was selected as the recommended paper of the issue by the editorial team of Buildings. As Dr. Matin writes, implementing the proposed framework could help designers and architects achieve higher levels of visual comfort. The study also found that design variables - such as location, orientation, and façade configuration – must be considered during the design process, as they affect visual comfort levels.
Read the article’s abstract and find a link to the full, open access article below. Congratulations to Dr. Matin on her publication!
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Abstract
The associations between various design variables affecting the visual performance of responsive facade systems are investigated in this study. First, we propose a data-driven approach to study practical aspects of illuminance optimization for responsive facades. In this approach, the hourly indoor illuminance data are combined with the location information to generate an objective function. This function is then utilized to evaluate the visual performance of responsive facade systems by matching a variety of facade angle movements to hourly sunshine patterns. Next, statistical tests were deployed to evaluate the role of design variables in different scenarios. The results provide detailed information about the design variables and their effects on visual comfort at 0.05 significant levels. On average, facade angles, facade configurations, facade orientations, and facade locations were significant in 100%, 41%, 87%, and 45% of different possible combinations of scenarios/variables, respectively.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
