Assessing the daylight and sunlight availability in high-density residential areas: a case in North-east China

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of building orientations, typical layouts and positions at facades on daylight and sunlight availability in high-density residential areas in North-east China. Vertical daylight factor (including sky component and reflected component) and sunlight hours along the centre building facades in three typical models were calculated using Radiance and Autodesk Ecotect Analysis. From the results the attenuation of the vertical daylight factor on the facade of each building model is explained and some empirical functions are derived. In addition, the results of sunlight analysis show the relationships between the sunlight hours, building orientations and layouts. The achieved results could be developed into design guidelines for the earlier urban planning.

Keywords:

• cold climate
• daylight factor
• Harbin
• high-density areas
• residential buildings
• sunlight hours

Acknowledgements

The investigation carried out in China was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province through a research project (Solar access and urban layout study in living areas, Heilongjiang; No. E201109).

Notes

Private communications.

Private communication.