The reference guide (and the supplemental calculation spreadsheet) are very thin on explanation for earning exemplary performance. Of the four pathways, the 3rd has me confused. It states, "90% or more of regularly occupied spaces have access to unobstructed views located within the distance of 3 times the head height of the vision glazing."
Assuming a head height of 7', does this mean that occupants should have an unobstructed view from the window to 21' outside the building? Or does it mean that inside the room, you have to have unobstructed views 21' from the window back into the interior of the room?
Carlie Bullock-Jones
PrincipalEcoworks Studio
LEEDuser Expert
220 thumbs up
November 11, 2010 - 6:18 pm
Hi Amanda,
The latter part of your question is correct. If the head height of the vision glazing is 7 feet tall, the area with views that can be included in the EP calculation are regularly occupied spaces within 21 feet of the window.
Rubén M. R.
CodirectorCIVITA
106 thumbs up
January 10, 2011 - 1:12 pm
Hi Carlie, I'm also trying to understand this 3rd pathway.
How can the head height be 7 feet tall if vision glazing is from 30" to 90"?
What exactly is the "head height"?
Thank you.
Rubén M. R.
CodirectorCIVITA
106 thumbs up
January 10, 2011 - 1:27 pm
I also need to know how to calculate the "view factor".
Thanks Carlie!
Carlie Bullock-Jones
PrincipalEcoworks Studio
LEEDuser Expert
220 thumbs up
January 20, 2011 - 8:45 pm
Hi Ruben,
The head height is measured from the finished floor to the top of the window. In the scenario described above the top of the window (or head height) goes up to 7 feet tall, which falls within the vision glazing area is between 2'-6" and 7'-6"
The "view factor" is defined in the Heschong Mahone Group study, as described on page 571 of the BD+C Reference Guide - also check out the LEEDuser discussion on this subject under LEED-NC 2009 IEQc8.1 dated 10/09/2009 and 7/09/2010.
Hope helpful!