Understanding light in building skin design

Abstract

This paper describes a design approach for discerning solar gain and assigning appropriate external shading devices. The approach includes a macro analysis locating where and when the building receives direct sunlight and locating desired interior daylighting; along with a micro analysis of how folded sun-shading motifs filter or block direct sunlight. The approach uses a collaborative analytical workflow with feedback from virtual and physical simulations informing design explorations. This iterative, reciprocating process is illustrated by student efforts to design shading structures for a building based on incident solar radiation. Designers begin with cutting and folding paper study models, then lasercut 2D tessellation patterns to create sculptural shading screens to be examined with a heliodon. Physical daylighting modeling reveals aesthetic opportunities to develop with parametric design. Motifs are then digitally modeled and analysed for shading effectiveness. Analysing the solar radiation of simple motifs helps beginners learn the software for subsequent urban situations. The efficacy of these simulations is discussed along with ways that the results could be interpreted to initiate design decisions for a building skin.