Assessment of visual nuisance or hazard caused by reflective surfaces
Reflective light (glare) is caused by sunlight or artificial light reflecting from finished surfaces such as window glass, or other reflective materials. In urban areas, glare is a common, but critical phenomenon.
With increasing implementation of glazed or highly reflective structural elements the risk of causing glare related accidents is rising. The impact of sunlight reflected from a building façade has the potential to create hazardous conditions along roadways for drivers, motorists, or to compromise pedestrians comfort within occupied and amenity spaces, and additionally affect adjacent buildings and property.
The numerical assessment of sunlight reflected from glazed or highly reflective surfaces can provide a detailed prediction of areas which may be affected by reflected solar light, but also can provide a quantification of the intensity of this phenomenon. Mitigation measures can be identified such as changing the façade material, or changing the reflectivity angle of the façade.
