Sketching Artificial Lighting Design with Scale Models and VR

This paper presents work in progress experimenting with rendered and photographed 360° panoramas viewed in virtual reality (VR) as a supplement to traditional representation methods for evaluating perceived qualities of light. Presented are initial findings in combining analogue and digital methods and tools for sketching artificial light with a focus on visually perceived light quality.
The project investigates the perception of accuracy in the quality of artificial light in a 1:10 scale model by direct observation and in VR by exploring photographed 360° panoramas from inside the scale model as well as 360° rendered panoramas from a digital twin model with photometric lighting.
The scale model is based on a full-scale test room equipped with varying light fixtures for reference of perceived accuracy.
The aim is to introduce fast and iterative work flows for architecture and design students encouraging integration of artificial lighting design from the very beginning of the design phase.
The preliminary recommended work flow based on results from the experiments provide an acceptable accuracy in directly perceived light quality in the analogue scale model as well as when viewing 360° photographed panoramas of the model in an HMD. The workflow is based on easily accessible tools and equipment for designing artificial lighting in scale models and supplemented with 360° photography, supporting the design process for architecture and design students.