Abstract

This research study discusses the accuracy of 3dStudio Max Design software in simulating illuminance distribution on pendentive dome mosque design. The case study is the Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The mosque has pendentive dome design similar to the design of the Ottoman mosques and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. The accuracy level is evaluated based on comparisons between the predicted software and the measured-on-site data on the illuminance distribution. Both field monitoring readings and computer simulations of the mosque interior (prayer hall) were collected and data logged during the winter solstice, the day when the sun was on a perimeter at its highest latitude at the Tropic of Capricorn (23° 26' 16'' S) which occurred on 21st December 2013. The illuminance level was measured at five locations inside the mosque. Result of this study revealed similar readings between the measured on-field and predicted computer simulation data with small marginal value difference. This study suggests acceptable accuracy readings provided by 3dStudio Max Design software for lighting simulation.

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