Sunlight and solar radiation are fundamental drivers of the outdoor climate. Solar conditions impact how pedestrians perceive comfort and experience outdoor spaces. As an example, shading from nearby buildings or trees can reduce the solar energy that reaches pedestrians, affecting one’s perception of warmth and coolness. The path of the sun also varies throughout the year, rising higher in the summer and remaining lower in the winter. This results in seasonal changes to solar conditions which can limit the usability of outdoor spaces depending on the time of year.
Orbital Stack’s offers a variety of solar analysis tools that can help designers optimize spaces for comfort and daylight access while avoiding overshadowing. Properly balancing solar exposure and shading is essential to creating environments with acceptable thermal conditions. By mitigating excessive exposure in the summer and allowing beneficial warmth in cooler seasons, the pedestrian experience can be enhanced, and outdoor spaces can remain usable for longer.
Orbital Stack can also help with green space planning by evaluating Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) throughout a project. Measuring PAR ensures that vegetation and green spaces receive appropriate levels of light for sustainable health throughout the year. By evaluating the number of hours of sunlight an area receives (Solar Access), designers can also make more informed decisions about the placement of solar energy systems. This leads to smarter and more effective sustainable energy integrations with the built environment.
Orbital Stack’s solar metrics include Clear Sky Solar Access, Clear Sky Solar Exposure, Daily Light Integral for PAR, and Sky View Factor. Incorporating these solar insights into early-stage design empowers designers to create spaces with optimal pedestrian comfort and improved sustainability.