Navigating Light and Energy: The Energy–Spatial Quality Field as an Early-Stage Design Instrument for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

Abstract

This thesis develops the Energy-Spatial Quality Field, a visualization and analytical instrument for reading energy performance and spatial quality as coupled outcomes during the early-stage design of multi-unit residential buildings in cold climates. Focusing on Climate Zone 6, the research conducts energy modeling and daylighting analysis across orientations, glazing specifications, shading strategies, and climate scenarios, populating a chart mapping the viable design space where both requirements are met. The Field is structured by the Energy-Spatial Quality Ledger, which maps eight elements of architectural decision-making, surfacing relationships and conflicts between thermodynamic metrics and spatial quality outcomes. The thesis focuses on admittance and regulation, where the coupled tension is direct, applying the Field through unit-scale design studies that trace each glazing and shading decision to an orientation-specific reading of the viable region. The viable region expands or contracts with orientation, glazing, and shading, making it visible before decisions are locked.