The effect of textile properties—openness of weave, fiber cross section, and fabric structure—on the distribution and redirection of sunlight is reported in this paper. A new scanning radiometer apparatus evaluates the performance of directional shading fabrics through measurements of biconical transmittance distributions. A Z-pleat cross-sectional shade design (aspect ratio 1.5:1) with a round fiber cross section and variable pitch, specular reflecting tape has evolved from an evaluation of several exploratory designs. The effect of the Z-pleat configuration on enhancing the redirection of light is discussed as it relates to the daylighting performance evaluation of a directional shading fabric.
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