Assessment of solar access in urban environment: The case of the renewal of a city block in Espinho, Portugal

The research project carried out aimed to establish guidelines for urban design, especially adjusted to specific climatic conditions and to local design practice. With the aid of a simulation program, Townscope III, several urban scenarios were characterized in what concerns solar access. Some results are presented for the specific case of a block in Espinho. Four different building models were tested. Solar access was evaluated and its repercussion on heating and cooling energy needs of the buildings was estimated. A virtual scenario with an increase of the density of the urban surrounding area was also assessed.
Source: Indoor and Built Environment - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research