Building-up urban open spaces from shadow range analyses

Abstract

This paper explores an alternative approach for the creation of new built forms based on solar access analysis. Consolidated on urban areas under development, the denominated 'inverted' approach is focused on the generation of recreational open spaces based on shadow conditions caused by existing built forms, and as a starting point for the construction of new urban envelopes as possible development areas. Unlike the existing method of the 'solar envelope', the 'inverted' approach shows an alternative procedure for the construction of built forms, based on pedestrian comfort caused by solar access in urban spaces rather than on indoor performance affected by the penetration of sunlight into buildings. As a method for the creation of urban envelopes, this approach attempts to enhance pedestrian comfort according to the study of solar access in urban areas. The 'inverted' approach is based on sun path data and is developed as a generative procedure, where the results of shadow range analyses and the different urban objectives work as input parameters for the generation of urban envelopes. Based on this methodology, two Grasshopper® custom components are developed.