A new software tool for simulating and scoring window view scenes to assist architectural optimization and decision-making has been published in the journal LEUKOS. The software, named ViewScore.io, was developed by researchers from the Environmental Systems Lab and the Housing Innovation Lab at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP).
In architectural design, although large windows allowing natural light can create beautiful visions, many practical problems exist, such as neighbors easily seeing into apartments, views including parking lots, and oversized windows leading to increased energy costs. ViewScore.io can simulate and score such scenarios, helping architects optimize window views and improve energy efficiency. It can also be used to develop green building standards and assist consumers in deciding whether to rent a house or book a hotel room.
The researchers stated that ViewScore.io uses surveys, interviews, and machine learning to provide the first systematic method for predicting satisfaction with outdoor views from windows. The software has been validated through case studies in New York City and can generate view scores based on 23 factors, including window size and glass material, perceived privacy, and external ground and trees.
Jaeha Kim, a PhD student in Systems Engineering and the lead developer of ViewScore.io, said that architects and developers often create panoramic views, but from a sustainability perspective, windows are a weak point in buildings. Scoring can help designers improve building facades and floor layouts to achieve human-centered design. Kim is the lead author of several recent related research papers. Cornell co-authors include Timur Dogan, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design Technology at AAP, and Katharina Kral, AAP Lecturer and Housing Researcher. They are collaborating with experts from multiple institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, to establish data collection standards and future work strategies.
Kim mentioned that several factors prompted the researchers to focus on window view research. Americans spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and indoor environments are crucial to physical and mental health. From a sustainability perspective, the impact of designers’ changes to windows on occupants is still unclear. Poor views may lead to reduced net rent, difficulty renting or selling properties, lower value, and wasted resources. Previous window view studies had small sample sizes and lacked universal measurement techniques, making it difficult to compare or expand results. To address this issue, the Cornell University team collaborated with international experts to propose best practices for evaluating window view satisfaction and introduce an open-source database.
The team has tested the ViewScore.io model in more than 30 apartment buildings in New York City, evaluating 35 buildings and over 10,420 rooms. The analysis shows that "visual comfort" increases with floor height, which may be related to property value and raises issues of social equity. A case study of an apartment building in Queens, New York, found that privacy on lower floors is affected by the height of neighboring buildings, and uniform window patterns and floor layouts are not the best solution. These results were respectively reported at the International Building Performance Simulation Association conference and the 2025 Annual Simulation Conference.
Currently, ViewScore.io is available as a simulation software plugin for architects and has received a provisional patent. The team has completed the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (iCorps) program. In the future, it may incorporate view satisfaction scores into real estate websites to help consumers evaluate properties and assist policymakers in planning the renovation of old buildings. Kim hopes this research can improve living conditions and benefit humanity.
