A study of reflection glare in taipei

The relationship between reflection glare caused by buildings and the local urban environment is explored. Reflection glare becomes undesirable if it accidentally or improperly falls within a person's visual cone and intrudes upon people's work. Thirty buildings were selected in Taipei for a survey of effective reflection glare sources judged by glare boundary, visibility, and their impact on the surrounding environment. Building and environment related factors include building orientation, height and materials, neighbouring open space and street width, and building codes. Reflection glare caused by the design, location and orientation of curtain-walled buildings is identified as an important urban issue effecting the comfort and safety of people as well as the thermal load and energy use in buildings. As a result, the design, location and impact of buildings' reflective surfaces should be given consideration in building design, urban planning and regulation.