Luminous Innovation for Glass Research

Nitter-Beta Nit develops a world-unique artificial sky for the Saint-Gobain laboratory in Chennai, India

Nitter-Beta Nit has designed and built a custom artificial sky for the Saint-Gobain research center in Chennai, India. This is a one-of-a-kind system worldwide, developed to accurately simulate various natural lighting conditions and to study the interaction between light, glass, and architectural materials.

Main Objectives

• Simulate lighting scenarios (clear, cloudy, overcast, etc.) in a controlled environment
• Analyze the optical behavior of glazing materials
• Study visual perception from different observation points:
  • Pedestrians
  • Drivers
  • Ultralight aircraft pilots
  • Occupants of nearby buildings

System Features

• Tunable light spectra to replicate solar and sky radiation
• Advanced angular simulation of reflections
• Modular and configurable structure for dynamic scenarios

Applications

• Study of the optical and perceptual performance of façades
• Analysis of visual comfort and urban safety
• Research on materials and architectural design under realistic yet controlled conditions

Research on Sustainable and High-Performance Façades

The study aims to identify sustainable and high-performance façade solutions, particularly high-selectivity solar control glazing, capable of:

• Adapting to evolving climate conditions
• Reducing reliance on shading systems such as blinds
• Enhancing natural light and view quality
• Ensuring thermal efficiency and low carbon impact

To support these goals, advanced parametric analyses are conducted, including:

• Performance evaluations based on current standards EN 1096-1 and ASTM C1376
• Dynamic simulations of thermal behavior and daylight
• Life cycle assessment of materials

A new research tool for universities, laboratories, and companies working in the fields of architecture, glass, and light.

This installation represents a significant advancement in experimental research applied to architectural and urban design, providing universities, research centers, and industrial laboratories with an unprecedented platform to objectively and scientifically evaluate the visual and perceptual performance of building materials.

We are proud to have contributed to the development of this technology and remain open to collaborations with research institutions, universities, and industries seeking to explore new frontiers in the interaction between light, glass, and architecture.