Shading Performance of Plant and Perforated Metal in The Thermal, Light, and Building-occupant Perception

Visual and thermal comfort are essential aspects influencing the activity of building occupant. For buildings with glass facades, the integration of shading devices becomes essential to enhance user comfort. This study aims to compare the effects of artificial (perforated metal) and biotic shading (Vernonia elliptica plant) on the thermal and visual parameters as well as perception of respondents regarding both devices. The study was carried out using a 1m x 1m x 1m box model. Perforated metal had a diameter of 3 cm and a spacing of 2 cm with a 29% openness factor, while the Vernonia elliptica had 2 levels of density, namely LAI 1 and LAI 2. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the average air temperature and RH produced by shading of vegetation LAI 1, LAI 2, and perforated metal. However, the use of vegetation reduced the illuminance significantly compared to the other device. The average DF of perforated metal ranged from 15.4 to 25%, while a range of 1.9-4.1% was obtained for LAI 1 and LAI 2. These results were inconsistent with building occupant’s perception that the vegetation had a better effect on the thermal aspect than the visual aspect.