Redefining the Role of Algae-Based Bio-Façades in Daylight Glare Control in Highperformance Buildings

Aims: Glare is a major challenge to visual comfort in highperformance buildings and can be simultaneously influenced by the characteristics of openings, building orientation, the intensity and distribution of daylight, and users’ visual conditions. This study aims to redefine the role of algae-based biofaçades as an effective architectural element for daylight glare control for adapting the placement of algae-based panels to specific glare conditions.

Methods: The study first identifies and classifies the concept of glare, its principal indicators, and its major types through a review and analysis of the theoretical foundations. Subsequently, by examining the relationships between glare type, glare source, spatial location, and daylight radiation characteristics, an analytical framework is developed to determine appropriate locations for the installation of algae-based biofaçade panels.

Findings: Different types of glares have distinct sources, spatial locations, and distribution patterns; therefore, a single fixed location cannot be proposed for the installation of algae-based panels. Based on the type of glare, appropriate locations for deploying the panels are identified across different parts of the building envelope and around openings. Targeted placement of the panels can function as a passive strategy for modulating daylight penetration and reducing direct or indirect exposure to glare sources.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that redefining the performance of algae-based biofaçades through the integration of energy–visual comfort and design quality can provide a new pathway toward highperformance building envelopes. Accordingly, algae-based biofaçades can be considered not merely as an energy-generation technology, but also as an integral component of the architectural design process.