Evaluating Spatial Attributes of Surface Colors Under Daylight and Electrical Lighting in Sustainable Architecture

Carolina Espinoza-Sanhueza (), Marc Hébert, Jean-François Lalonde and Claude Demers
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Carolina Espinoza-Sanhueza: GRAP Groupe de Recherche en Ambiances Physiques, School of Architecture, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
Marc Hébert: CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
Jean-François Lalonde: Computer Vision and Systems Lab, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
Claude Demers: GRAP Groupe de Recherche en Ambiances Physiques, School of Architecture, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-31

Abstract: This paper investigates the spatial attributes of the color properties and brightness characteristics of sustainable architectural strategies including daylight, electrical lighting, and surface color in architecture, which could potentially impact users’ spatial experiences. Images of 48 spaces varying in surface color configurations, type of light source, and position of the lighting strategy were evaluated. The analyses included assessments of color palettes, descriptors based on saturation and brightness properties, and brightness distribution maps. The results indicate that lighting design and types of light source influence the saturation and brightness properties of the perceived hues evaluated in the same environment, leading to variations in color descriptors or adjectives. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that variations in brightness between bright and dark zones, the creation of focal points, and perceived spatial fragmentation depend on the reflectance of the colors applied in the surfaces, the position of the lighting, and the type of light source. This study does not aim to establish best practices for enhancing users’ emotions through architecture. Instead, it explores how variations in color and light influence perceptual descriptions that have been previously associated with emotional responses. This research recognizes the impact of sustainable strategies including surface colors under daylight and electrical lighting on users’ spatial experiences.

Keywords: lighting design; surface color configuration; color descriptors; luminous attributes; sustainable strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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