Shading Devices and Sun Path

Objective

To understand the need for installing different shading devices for different facades to achieve optimum solar radiation and thermally comfortable spaces.

Outcome

Students will develop interest in understanding the Sun and how the position of the Sun affects façade design and shading as a passive design element.

Requirements

Sketchbook, Pencil, Pen

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge on Passive design principles and elements.

Procedure

Step 1: Take the students for a walk around the college and a few neighbouring buildings and ask them to observe different facades in all the four main directions:East, West, North and South. Ideally the walk be done in three times of the day, morning (9 am), noon (12 pm) and evening (around 4 pm)

Step 2: Relate the facade designs with the position of the sun and intensity of the sunlight in each direction. Observe how each facade responds to the solar radiation. 

Step 3: Ask the students to document, draw, note the observations in each direction and different facades or shading devices. 

Step 4: Reflect collectively on different solar intensities in different directions, sun path and different shading devices and facades.

Step 5: Summarise and infer the findings out of reflections.

References

None