Unit 6: Daylighting Solar Geometry and Shading Devices

Latitude

It describes the North and South orientation of the Earth about the equator

Longitude

It describes the horizontal orientation (the circular motion)

When is Spring Equinox and what is it

March 21-March 22. It is when there are equal amounts of daylight and nighttime. Declination of the Earth is at 0.

When is Fall equinox and what is it?

September 21-22. It is when there is equal amount of daylight and nighttime. Declination of the Earth is at 0.

When is winter solstice and what is it

December 21-22. It is when there are more nighttime than daytime

When is summer solstice and what is it

Jun 21-22. It is when there is more daytime than nighttime

Azimuth

The location of the sun, measure in a horizontal flat plane.

Altitude

The vertical angle above the horizon plane

Zeneith

Point directly above the observer

Overhangs

Shades overhead sun and ideal for south facing facades. Curved shadows for shading masks.

Vertical fins

Shades low altitude sun angles from the east and west so ideal for east and west facing facades. Straight shadows for shading masks

As the sun gets lower…

More land area receives solar radiation