Application of 3D Modeling Technology for Light Analysis In the Reptile Exhibition Building Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo

Abstract

The application of 3D modeling to analyze lighting in the reptile exhibition building aims to study how to use 3D modeling software to analyze the amount and direction of natural light that is appropriate in the reptile exhibition building of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo and to be a guideline for designing the reptile exhibition building of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand by using 3D modeling tools. The scope of the study is as follows: 1) Study the design of natural lighting and the direction of the building to be appropriate for the characteristics of the habitat according to the climate data of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. 2) Study and apply the Google Sketchup 2025 program together with the Sefaira program add-on tool to calculate the light values ​​that affect reptiles in Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. The study found that the amount and direction of natural light that is suitable for reptiles in the exhibition area is the proportion of illumination at 1.8%–7.88%, temperature at 20–30°C, humidity at 50–70%, and heat accumulation from the surface at 250–350 W/m2. Other suitable standards include 1) building shape, 2) building direction, 3) proportion of openings, 4) position of glass walls, and 5) ventilation system. It can be applied to the exhibition design using tools in the Sefaira program that can quickly simulate and display the required data. It can be used as a guideline for designing appropriate and efficient animal exhibition areas. However, there are limitations and precautions: the building models provided by the program do not cover exhibition buildings. Due to the use of simple building models in data analysis, the program will only simulate shadows from the main shapes, making it impossible to analyze shadows from awnings, sunshades, and blinds, which play an important role in reducing heat inside exhibition buildings.