Discussing Photon-Mapping and Radiosity-Based Rendering Algorithms to Evaluate Qualitative Lighting Design in Contemporary Architecture

摘要

This paper attempts to determine the impact of different light propagation algorithm on visual perception of qualitative lighting design in contemporary architecture. Radiosity-based and photon-mapping-based light simulation software is used in this empirical study as a "switch" to isolate the occurrence of the specific lighting phenomenon. Images generated by the two rendering software are graded using a subjective lighting metric. The results show varying visual response. This finding informs architects that general radiosity-based renderer might not be adequate to portray accurate computational representation of translucency, directional diffused reflection and caustics; lighting phenomena observed in contemporary architecture.