Evaluation of growth characteristics of trees in an atrium using a simulation model of transmitting PPFD and photosynthetic rate on clear days

Abstract

A simulation model to estimate the transmitting PPFD in the atrium of passenger terminal building at Kansai International Airport was developed using factors as the structure of the atrium, transmitting characteristics of top light, solar location and simulated outdoor PPFD on clear days. Estimated PPFDs were consistent with daily and seasonal observed fluctuations in the atrium. With observed net photosynthetic and respiration rate and estimated transmitting PPFD, CO2 budgets in atrium environment of trees grown in the atrium, trees grown outdoors and two foliage plants grown indoors were estimated at the leaf scale to evaluate the growth characteristics. Effect of the ceiling height and planting location on the transmitting PPFD and CO2 budgets of the leaves were also estimated. Since CO2 budgets of foliage plants were insensitive to the atrium structure and planting location, foliage plants seemed to be easily used under low light environment. On the other hand, CO2 budgets of Ternstroemia gymnanthera and Michelia figo, which are generally planted outdoors and acclimated in the low light environment in the atrium, were sensitive to these conditions. It is conceivable that careful consideration of the atrium structure and planting position is necessary for the use of these outdoor trees in the atrium.