Visual comfort analysis of various window-shadings for office buildings in Kabul, Afghanistan

• Main Authors: Jahish, Jaihoon, Abdullah, Fadzidah, Sanusi, Aliyah Nur Zafirah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2023
• Subjects: NA2542.35 Environmental aspect of architecture; NA Architecture; NA2542.36 Sustainable architecture; T Technology (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/106948/6/106948_Visual%20comfort%20analysis%20of%20various%20window-shadings.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/106948/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/kaed/index.php/japcm/article/view/706/608

This study investigates the impact of window shading devices on the visual comfort of occupants in office buildings located in Kabul, Afghanistan. In an office environment where workers spend extended periods indoors, lighting is essential to facilitate their tasks efficiently and effectively. Visual discomfort can negatively impact the health and productivity of building occupants. Therefore, shading devices can effectively enhance visual comfort in indoor spaces, particularly in areas with high solar radiation exposure, such as Kabul. This research aims to identify and compare different shading devices to determine the most effective option for improving visual comfort in office buildings in Kabul. By analyzing simulated shading devices through comparative analysis, this study evaluates the suitability of various window-shading options for enhancing visual comfort in indoor spaces in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to this study, Mashrabyiah shading panels and Vertical shading devices with louvers showed the highest efficiency rates of 50 to 77 percent and 22 to 66.8 percent, respectively. These shading devices were found to be the most successful in decreasing glare levels and enhancing visual comfort in the selected office buildings in Kabul, Afghanistan. The main results indicate that this study is crucial for architects, engineers, and designers to understand the importance of visual comfort in office buildings and to identify effective shading options to ensure the well-being and productivity of building occupants.