Generative Solar Design - Spaces of light, Shadow Bodies and Dynamic Solar Simulation with Open-Source Software

Abstract

How does sunlight impact building design? Computer simulations demonstrate new ways of intelligent daylight planning. This study focuses on the application of graphical planning tools for solar simulation using the software packages Blender, GIMP and EcoTect. Location, shadow maps and shadow bodies Shadow maps of the site serve as the starting point for modeling shadow bodies. Generative design in the available space of light The maximum available space of light that is illuminated by sunlight results from the total building volume minus the modeled shadow bodies. This space of light can now be fi lled up to the maximum allowable building volume by using generative design methods, which yield a variety of designs. The best-suited design is then selected and refi ned. New real-time rendering methods These tools were put to the test over the course of one year and proved to be excellent for rendering solar irradiance and shadow positions on a building site. The results of this study helped to determine the best possible placement of the buildings on the site. The software packages delivered good results and the data transfer with other standard software worked well. Complementing this offl ine technology, new real-time rendering methods (e.g. EcoTect) afford easier ways of interactive solar simulation.