Testing the adequacy of luminous change descriptors to represent dynamic attributes in outdoor views

Outdoor views are critical for sustaining well-being in urbanized environments, as they increase opportunities for contact with natural and dynamic features. Yet, current view assessment procedures do not investigate the role of dynamic attributes in views. In this study, we evaluated a systematic procedure to test the adequacy of representing dynamic outdoor attributes as a function of lightness changes over time. Using image processing and monitoring techniques, we examined the presence of lightness changes in views in two seasons and as a function of three spatial parameters. In Part 1, we evaluated light variations in 16 distinct view scenes collected in summer (n = 320 intervals). In Part 2, we examined daylight changes in four pairs of identical view scenes collected in summer and fall (n = 80 intervals each). Continuous solar radiation measurements anchored lightness changes values as a function of sky conditions. The results showed the recurrence of lightness changes in views for Part 1 (77%) and Part 2 (75%), suggesting the prevalence of light changes in views across the year. In Part 1, lightness changes in views presented statistical significance in naturalistic conditions and three sky types, yet more data is needed for comparative analysis. In Part 1, the prevalence of Global variation in views was demonstrated. Likewise, two view types (i.e., Roof and Wall) showed a clear frequency of lightness changes under naturalistic conditions (76% and 74%). These outcomes help to sustain the adequacy of lightness change for describing dynamic attributes in views. •Assessment of a dynamic view assessment procedure using systematic techniques.•Lightness change is a good descriptor for representing dynamic attributes in views.•View scenes portraying lightness changes prevail in most observed conditions.•Regular and predictable lightness changes are recurrent attributes in views.•Three spatial parameters suggested an equivalence to describe lightness changes.